Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has rejected an approach from Ipswich Town for Titus Bramble.

The new Ipswich boss enquired about Bramble, Louis Laing and Matt Kilgallon last week but O'Neill indicated a willingness to keep them at the Stadium of Light ahead of a busy Christmas period, says The Journal.

That is despite John O'Shea and Carlos Cuellar having been firmly established as his first-choice defensive pairing this season.