Lovenkrands is the third member of the Magpies' relegation squad to be linked with a Tyne-Wear switch.

Previously, defenders Sebastian Bassong and Habib Beye were said to be interesting new Black Cats boss Steve Bruce.

The 29-year-old Dane can play up front or wide on the left and scored three goals in 12 Premier League appearances for the Geordies last season after joining from German side Schalke

He is now a free agent, but his representative Ivan Marko Benes declined to fuel speculation about his future when contacted by the Echo today.

Benes said: "I really can't say anything about this as Peter is on vacation and we will talk to him about finding a new club when he returns.

"He enjoyed playing in the North East but I will not say what interest there has been in him this summer as that would not be fair to the clubs."

Sunderland had nothing to say about the latest transfer rumour today but it is thought that Bruce is in no hurry to make acquisitions until he has seen the current squad in training to make his own full assessment of where he needs to strengthen.

His initial targets are likely to be strikers, a defensive leader and a strong central midfielder.

A host of Spurs players have been rumoured, with Robbie Keane reportedly being offered as a makeweight in a deal for Kenwyne Jones to head to White Hart Lane.

Darren Bent, Didier Zokora and Tom Huddlestone are the other Spurs players being mentioned.