SUNDERLAND are considering a bid for Tottenham Hotspur’s £8m-rated midfielder Tom Huddlestone with Aston Villa and Fulham also ready to battle for his signature.

But rumours the Wearsiders have made a firm bid for the player are premature despite Steve Bruce being a long-term admirer of the player on the verge of Fabio Capello’s full England squad.

Ironically, Bruce’s willingness to allow Wilson Palacios to leave Wigan for White Hart Lane last season saw Huddlestone slip down the Spurs pecking order.

After appearing in about half their league games the midfield playmaker became disillusioned with a squad rotation policy that robbed him of a guaranteed place in Harry Redknapp’s side.

Bruce has identified a midfield powerhouse as a priority signing this summer and Huddlestone’s 6ft 3in frame makes him a commanding presence.

However, his Spurs deal runs until 2013 and Redknapp is thought to be reluctant to allow the 22-year-old to leave.

But unless the Spurs boss can guarantee Huddlestone a regular staring berth he may be forced to move on as he bids to secure a place in Capello’s full England side.

Redknapp has recently been linked with a swap deal involving Huddlestone as a lure to secure the services of Villa pair Nigel Reo-Coker and Ashley Young.

■ Former Black Cats striker Djibril Cisse is expected to sign a four-year contract with Greek outfit Panathinaikos.