Sunderland set to battle Newcastle United, West Brom and Crystal Palace for Steven Caulker

Sunderland look set to do battle with Newcastle United again - but this time for the signature of in-demand Steven Caulker.

By The Newsroom

Published 28th May 2016, 17:11 BST

Updated 28th May 2016, 18:18 BST

The Independent are reporting that Sunderland and West Brom have joined Crystal Palace in the Premier League race to sign the QPR defender, who is also wanted by North East rivals Newcastle.

The centre-back, who has two-years left on his reported £35,000-a-week wages, is said to be available for a cut-price £4.5million fee.

Sunderland need to boost their central defensive options this summer to give John O'Shea, Younes Kaboul and Lamine Kone added competition.

Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia are reporting Torino have joined Lazio, Bologna and Fiorentina in the race to sign Emanuele Giaccherini from Sunderland.

The winger, who spent the 2015-16 season on loan at Bologna, is set to leave the Stadium of Light this summer.

Giaccherini is set to represent Italy at Euro 2016 and is also wanted by Watford.