Sunderland are keen on signing Aston Villa youngster Matija Sarkic.

The 22-year-old is out of contract this summer and Villa are unlikely to offer an extension.

The Sun says the Black Cats face competition from League One rivals Blackpool.

Sarkic spent the first half of this season on loan at Livingston.

He made 14 appearances for the Scottish Premier League club before being recalled due to Tom Heaton's injury.