SUNDERLAND are set to rekindle their interest in Junior Hoilett after learning that the former Blackburn winger has cooled on a proposed move to Germany.

The Black Cats made an initial inquiry to Hoilett's representatives when he expressed a desire to leave Blackburn as a free agent at the start of the summer.

However, there was a deluge of interest in the 22-year-old and it looked as though a combination of high wage demands and a compensation fee would scupper Sunderland's hopes of signing him.

Borussia Monchengladbach were Hoilett's preferred destination at the time, but talks with the German club broke down towards the end of last month when the two parties were unable to agree personal terms.

Galatasaray have subsequently emerged as an alternative destination, but sources close to Hoilett claim he has become increasingly keen to remain in England.

Sunderland are aware of his change of heart, and Martin O'Neill is ready to make a renewed approach in an attempt to lure Hoilett to the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats boss will be working to a reasonably strict budget this summer, but with free agent Carlos Cuellar already on board, there is limited leeway to move closer to Hoilett's anticipated demands.

Blackburn have not given up hope of persuading the winger to sign a new deal at Ewood Park, but manager Steve Kean yesterday admitted Rovers are not in a strong position.

Kean said: "We find ourselves in not a great position with Junior Hoilett, who only signed a two-year contract when it should have been more a couple of years ago, but we are where we are. We're not sure how that will pan out."

Meanwhile, Sunderland have handed new contracts to 11 members of their development squad and recruited two new juniors.

Goalkeeper Ben Wilson joins defenders Louis Laing, Blair Adams, Liam Marrs and Jordan Watson in signing new deals at the Academy of Light.

Midfielders Roarie Deacon, James Armstrong and Adam Reed have also been retained, while Connor Oliver, Anthony Callaghan and Jordan Laidler have stepped up from the academy to sign their first professional contracts.

Former Darlington defender David Ferguson and ex-Bury midfielder Wade Joyce have also signed development deals.