Sunderland are keen on Preston North End youngster Adam Barton.

The News of the World says Sunderland have joined Stoke and Bolton in the chase for Preston wonderkid Barton.

The 19-year-old midfielder has picked up plenty of admirers since breaking into North End's first team last season.

Preston have stuck a £5million price tag on his head to deter bargain-hunters. Barton signed a three-year deal at Deepdale in the summer.

But Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes the lure of Premier League football will be too much for him to resist in the near future.