North East Duo Chase Gardner

Sunderland AFC have been strongly linked to Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner over the past few weeks.

However, skysports.com understands that both North East Premiership clubs are interested in signing him this transfer window.

Gardner, 24, has been identified by Steve Bruce and is willing to pay £5m for the player who scored an impressive ten goals in a season that seen Birmingham relegated on the final day of the season.

The deal may hinge on who offers the best price for him or even the best terms to his new contract.