Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is eyeing Wigan Athletic midfielder Shaun Maloney.

The People says O'Neill wanted the Scotland international in the January window but Latics talked him into signing a new long-term deal.

However, O'Neill plans to go back in the summer for a player he had under his wing at Celtic and Aston Villa.

If Wigan go down - or Sunderland offer at least £2.5million - then the crafty midfielder will be on his way to the Stadium of Light.