He has been linked with a £4million bid for Malbranque, who has spent the past two years at White Hart Lane.

According to the Frenchman's agent Frederic Dobraje, the Black Cats have asked about the 28-year-old's situation.

Dobraje told the News of the World: "Sunderland are the only team to have been in touch about Steed.

"No other club, including Aston Villa, has made contact."