SUNDERLAND'S Thomas Sorensen has confirmed he has no intention of plying his trade in the Nationwide League next season.

The Danish goalkeeper, who returned to the Black Cats' starting XI in Saturday's 1-0 derby defeat, made it clear to manager Mick McCarthy he will be quitting the relegated Wearsiders in the summer.

Speaking ahead of Denmark's clash with Ukraine tonight, the 26-year-old admitted McCarthy had quizzed him on his future plans.

Sorensen said: "He (McCarthy) asked me if I was interested in playing in the First Division.

"But I have big ambitions and I would rather avoid doing it."

Denmark's number one has a host of admirers and there should be no shortage of interest in his talents.

Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with the player Sunderland signed for £1m from Odense in the summer of 1998.

Manchester United have also had Sorensen watched, and if they fail in their attempts to bring Finn Antti Niemi in from Southampton, they are sure to renew their interest.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson knows all about the qualities of Danish goalkeepers after the successful time Peter Schmeichel enjoyed at Old Trafford.

With Fabien Barthez dropped for Sunday's clash at Spurs, Ferguson is looking at the possibility of replacing his French star, and Sorensen could succeed his fellow countryman at club level, after taking over international duties from Schmeichel.

Sunderland will be keen to make the most of their prize asset and, in today's market, will be looking to receive at least three times the price they paid for the player who has become an international since moving to England.

Sorensen's contract expires at the end of next season, and with the arrival of Mart Poom from Derby County, McCarthy has a ready made replacement at his disposal.

Meanwhile Thomas Butler has confirmed he has no intention of quitting the Stadium of Light, pledging to make a real impact in the First Division next season.

The Irishman - who turned 22 at the weekend - was expected to be out until the close season after tearing a calf muscle in Sunderland's game at West Ham last month.

But the injury healed much quicker than expected and he is already on the comeback trail, impressing in the Reserves 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.

He said: "I still haven't given up hope of playing first-team football in the Premiership for Sunderland this season.

"But my main target is to ensure that I come back for close-season training fully ready to go on and earn a place in the side as a first-team regular.

"There's obviously going to be a lot of changes at the club, but, while it will be disappointing to lose some players, it will provide opportunities for others.

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