SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Thomas Myhre has turned down a return to his native Norway with Odd Grenland.

Myhre, understood to be eyeing a move to Italy or Spain, was wanted by Odd coach Arne Sandstoe as cover because of an injury to fellow Norwegian international Erik Holtan.

But it seems 30-year-old Myhre, who has a year left on his Sunderland contract but is available on a free transfer, is in no hurry to decide on his next move.

The former Everton keeper, signed by Peter Reid on a free transfer from Turkish side Beskitas two years ago, wants to make a fresh start.

Myhre, in the shadow of Mart Poom at the Stadium of Light, knows he needs regular first-team football to cement his international place.

But he is due to go on holiday before being married this summer and is keeping his options open as he looks for the deal that could shape the remainder of his career.

Myhre did his chances of a move no harm with what was described in Norway as an "excellent'' performance in Thursday's goalless game against Wales.

The highlight for Myhre was a match-saving point-blank block from Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian FA have confrmed that Sunderland were among a posse of English clubs represented in Oslo.

Everton, Tottenham, Manchester City, Norwich, West Ham and Wolves and were also in attendance at the Ullevaal Stadium.

The main attractions were Tromso winger Morten Gamst Pedersen and Molde midfielder Magne Hoset.

Norway manager Aage Hareide this week confirmed that Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy had contacted him about Pedersen, who has also prompted interest from Newcastle, Manchester United and Aston Villa.

But Blackburn, still seeking a replacement for Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff following his move to Chelsea last summer, are leading the chase for Pedersen and Tromso were yesterday bracing themselves for an official a £1.5m bid from Ewood Park.

Man. City and newly-promoted Norwich are known to be keen on Hoset.

Meanwhile, Black Cats midfielder Jeff Whitley has been allowed to link up with the Northern Ireland squad two days late - so he can be best man at brother Jim's wedding today in Manchester.

Whitley, named in Lawrie Sanchez's party for a three-game tour of the Caribbean, said: "It's a good gesture by the manager - it's a big day for the family."

Whitley will miss the opening game against Barbados tomorrow but arrives in time to face St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago next week.

Sunderland keeper Michael Ingham is also in the squad and set to win his first cap.

* Porto look to have accepted the inevitable by lining up Jose Mourinho's replacement as the Champions League-winning coach prepared to fly out for talks with Chelsea.

Mourinho is poised to be officially confirmed as Chelsea manager next week.

While the Porto boss is understood to have given his word on the move, he must still finalise the exact details of his proposed contract of up to £4m a year.

He did not fly into London for talks, as some reports had indicated, but he is expected to meet Chelsea officials at a neutral venue over the weekend.

Porto responded by starting their own talks over finding a new manager, with Chievo coach Luigi del Neri among the front-runners.

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