The Black Cats remained tight-lipped today over reports they have had an £8million bid accepted for the brother of England and Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand.

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But having turned down Newcastle earlier in the summer, the Peckham-born defender may be offered the chance to stay in the capital by Tottenham – who host the Black Cats on Saturday.

Despite the generally positive display of Nyron Nosworthy and Danny Collins against Liverpool at the weekend, boss Roy Keane remains keen to increase his defensive options.

There looks no sign of Manchester United changing their stance on allowing Jonny Evans to have a third spell on Wearside and the Northern Ireland international was named on the Red Devils' bench against Newcastle on Sunday.

Ferdinand is reported to be in talks with Sunderland, but the opportunity to remain in his native London may be tempting should Spurs enter a firm bid.

The 22-year-old has rejected a new deal at Upton Park, where he made his debut four years ago.