Sunderland defender John O’Shea is close to extending his time on Wearside into a seventh season, according to the Shields Gazette.
With O’Shea’s contract running out at the end of June, many Championship clubs have begun to hold interest in the defender – including Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Many players have found the ongoing uncertainty of who will manage and own the Black Cats next season worrying, leading to a number of key players at the Stadium of Light looking at potential moves away.
O’Shea, who will be enduring his seventh season with the Wearside club, will have been a key target for the Sunderland hierarchy, with the Black Cats top dogs wanting to retain his experience ahead of their campaign in the Sky Bet Championship.
“I’ve really enjoyed being here every year.” he said.
“It’s a great place and the people around the place, the club, the Sunderland family outside and inside, whether at the training ground or Black Cats House, the decency amongst the people is very special and it’s something I definitely want to continue with, but it’s not up to me.”
Sunderland are currently looking depleted in defence, with Lamine Kone likely to move on, Jason Denayer returning to parent club Manchester City and Joleon Lescott being released.
Sunderland’s only other central defender proves to Papy Djilobodji, but his poor performances since signing from Chelsea at the beginning of last season have led to rumours of a move away from the Stadium of Light.
George Honeyman signed a new two-year contract earlier in the summer, while Seb Larsson has been offered a new deal by Sunderland despite interest from Championship, Premier League and other top European clubs.
