SUNDERLAND are considering a move for Sheffield United defender Ben Heneghan after another of their targets, Harry Brockbank, expressed a desire to remain at Bolton Wanderers.

The Black Cats have made a number of inquiries about Brockbank this summer, with the 20-year-old’s contract at Bolton having expired at the end of last month.

However, while Bolton’s financial problems are currently preventing Phil Parkinson from making any additions to his squad, Brockbank has been training with the Trotters’ first-team group for the last two weeks.

He played in a behind-closed-doors friendly defeat to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad earlier this week, and is understood to have told Bolton officials that he would like to sign a new deal if the club’s monetary problems ease.

A potential takeover remains in the offing, and Brockbank is unlikely to make any alternative decisions about his future until Bolton’s future plans become clearer.

Sunderland have already signed one defender this summer, with Jordan Willis having moved to Wearside after turning down the offer of a new deal at Coventry City, but Jack Ross is considering one more defensive addition before the transfer window closes next month.

Heneghan is expected to leave Sheffield United this summer after Chris Wilder deemed him surplus to requirements at Bramall Lane.

The 25-year-old centre-half, who joined the Blades from Motherwell in the summer of 2017, spent last season on loan at Blackpool, making 41 starts in League One.

Reading have also inquired about signing him this summer, but the Royals are understood to be pursuing alternative targets at this stage.