DANISH goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has rocked Sunderland by admitting he will be looking for a move this summer.
And the 25-year-old giant shot-stopper could be one of three leading players, along with ace striker Kevin Phillips and skipper Michael Gray, on their way from Wearside.
Speculation has been rife over the last couple of months of a disappointing season that the three internationals will be seeking their football fortunes elsewhere, even if Peter Reid's men win their current battle for Premiership survival.
But Sorensen - arguably Sunderland's most consistent player over a troubled season - is the first to come out publicly to say that he wants to play for a more successful club.
The straight-talking Sorensen, who recently raised a few eyebrows when he said he felt that the club was wrong to turn down the chance of playing in the Intertoto Cup before the start of next season, has confirmed his discontent - though he stresses he will do everything in his power to help keep Sunderland in the top flight.
Linked recently with Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United, Sorensen said: "There have been a lot of rumours and I am happy for the truth to come out.
"I dearly want to be with a club who are playing in Europe and I hope something can be sorted out in the summer."
He added: "The first thing I have to concentrate on is securing Sunderland's Premiership place for another season and I am confident we can do that.
"But beyond that my ambition is very clear - I want to be playing at the top end of the Premiership, challenging for the title if possible and certainly for a place in Europe at least.
"I did hope that might happen at Sunderland after the promise of last season, but it has gone the opposite way."
Sorensen, who cost a bargain £500,000 from Odense in the summer of 1998, has seen his value rocket after taking over from the legendary Peter Schmeichel in the Danish team bound for this summer's World Cup.
He said: "I have heard the club are demanding from £8m to £10m for me, so they must know how I feel - it is a question of personal ambition."
Predictably, Sunderland moved quickly last night to issue a "hands-off" warning about Sorensen, denying they were contemplating selling the goalkeeper.
Vice-chairman John Fickling said: "Thomas Sorensen is contracted to Sunderland Football Club until June 2004. The club has not placed any valuation on him or have been in any discussions with any club for his services.
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