Sunderland AFC transfer news: Watford interest in Kaboul genuine, Everton midfielder linked

Younes Kaboul, right, is wanted by Watford

The 30-year-old, who has become a key figure in the Sunderland defence, joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur last summer for a fee of £3million.

But Premier League rivals Watford are weighing up a move for the Frenchman, with sources in France claiming they are ready to offer Kaboul a three-year deal.

Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri wants to bring in another centre-back before the end of the transfer window.

And the Echo understands experienced Frenchman Kaboul is on their list of potential targets.

Kaboul has struck up a strong central defensive partnership with Lamine Kone - who is wanted by Everton - ever since the Ivory Coast international arrived at the Stadium of Light in January.

Their form was a key reason behind the club's survival last season, with both starting against Manchester City on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Moyes was asked about Kone's future at the weekend and he stressed he was keen to keep those players who make a big contribution to the team.

Moyes said: "The big thing is, we are short of players, whether it be centre-halves or midfield players or full-backs, we are short.

"I won’t be letting anybody go who I think can contribute to the team.

"Kone is a big contribution to the team.

"If I think I can do things in other ways, I will think about it, but, at the moment, the market has made it really difficult to do that."

Moyes' priority is recruitment as he looks to add to his options before the transfer window closes on August 31, with Everton midfielder James McCarthy the latest to be linked.

Sunderland are reported to have made an enquiry about the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international.

Meanwhile, the club's finances have been boosted by the sale of Liam Bridcutt to Championship side Leeds United on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old, who made 36 appearances for the Black Cats after joining from Brighton in 2014, has signed a two-year deal at Elland Road.

Leeds have been chasing the Scotland midfielder ever since his successful loan spell with the club last season.

"It feels good, it's been a long time coming, been dragged out but now it's done and we can concentrate on playing football," said Bridcutt.