Sunderland are moving to trump Newcastle United for Manchester United fullback Danny Simpson.

The Daily Star Sunday says Simpson, 22, sees his window-to-window Toon loan run out on January 18 and is desperate to secure a permanent deal.

Old Trafford officials were understood to be at Newcastle's 2-0 home derby win against Middlesbrough a week ago to discuss a fee for £2million-rated Simpson, who is a free agent in the summer.

But Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is also interested in Simpson, who had a loan spell on Wearside three seasons ago during Roy Keane's reign.