Derby and Republic of Ireland utility man Rory Delap could begin the new English League campaign in the North-east with Sunderland rather than with the Rams.

Sunderland boss Peter Reid is said to be interested in exchanging Delap for Nicky Summerbee in a deal which would cost him Summerbee plus £2.5m.

Delap has been a star of the Derby team since he joined them back in 1997 from Carlisle. He finished as top scorer at the club last season despite playing most of his football as a defender.

The clubs have agreed a price on Summerbee and it remains to be seen whether Reid will foresake the money in favour of bringing another Irish player to the club.

In other news from the Stadium of Light, Niall Quinn and Kevin Kilbane could be fit enough to take their place in Sunderland's first game of the new season.

The Irish duo were rated as doubtful to be ready to start the season but they have come through their injury worries better than expected and should be fit to take their places in the starting line-up to face Arsenal at Highbury.