Sunderland are eyeing Newcastle United fullback Jose Enrique.

The Sunday Mirror says Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is targeting the Toon's Spanish left-back as a possible January signing as he seeks to tighten his defence.

But he has received no encouragement from Magpies counterpart Chris Hughton, who is determined not to let any stars leave as he pushes to take the club straight back to the Premier League.

But he could be persuaded to do business if Sunderland are prepared to let England man Kieran Richardson move to Tyneside.

Newcastle have a long-standing interest in the former Manchester United midfielder and, with both players valued at about £6million, a swap could be on the cards.