Sunderland have reportedly opened talks with captain Lee Cattermole over a contract extension.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined the Black Cats from Wigan Athletic for £6m in 2009, has 12 months remaining on his current deal.
Manager Martin O'Neill rates the player very highly and the club have offered him a new deal, according to Sky Sports News.
Cattermole has received 28 yellow cards and has been sent off four times in 73 games for Sunderland.