ASTON Villa have entered negotiations with Sunderland with a view to signing Thomas Sorensen and Gavin McCann in a joint deal worth £5 million. David O’Leary, the new manager at Villa Park, is working to a limited budget but hopes that Sunderland’s financial difficulties will smooth the transfer of a pair of international players for a relatively reasonable fee.

O’Leary failed to buy Paul Robinson, the England goalkeeper, from Leeds United, his former club, when personal terms could not be agreed and there remains a concern that Sorensen might prove elusive for similar reasons. The 27-year-old has a single season remaining on his contract and could leave the club for nothing next summer, a situation of which Manchester City are fully aware.

Mick McCarthy, the Sunderland manager, is unable to pursue any new signings — targets include Jeff Whitley, Colin Healy and Shaun Goater — until the relegated club have reduced their wage bill and has sanctioned the departure of Sorensen and McCann, the 25-year-old England midfield player. If Sorensen refuses to join Villa, he is unlikely to be offered regular first-team football on Wearside.

After missing out on Brett Emerton, Newcastle United will not be rushed into the transfer market. Lee Bowyer has arrived at St James’ Park on a free transfer but the club — who have asked Barcelona to keep them informed of Patrick Kluivert’s position — are reluctant to spend heavily until they have secured a Champions League place.

Steve McClaren is stepping up his bid to sign Trevor Sinclair, the West Ham United midfield player, after finally having to admit defeat in his efforts to sign Geremi. It has been a poor few days for the Middlesbrough manager, who learnt last weekend that Ugo Ehiogu, the defender, will be out of action for up to six months after rupturing cruciate ligaments.

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