Manchester City's £3.5m-rated defender Nedum Onuoha has emerged as a target for Newcastle United and Sunderland.

The North East rivals, desperate for defensive cover, are aware that City are willing to trade the England Under-21 international, says the Daily Star Sunday.

Onuoha, 22, is also being eyed by Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, who would ask for him in part-exchange if, as expected, City manager Mark Hughes presses his bid for Roque Santa Cruz.