Duo fight it out for midfielder

Sunderland are in a battle with QPR for the services of former Everton and Portsmouth midfielder Manuel Fernandes.

The 26-year-old will have no shortage of suitors as he is available on a free transfer due to the fact he is in a contract dispute with his current club Besiktas. Martin O'Neill may have to move quickly if he is to land him ahead of Mark Hughes at Loftus Road who is also very keen on the former Portsmouth midfielder. Meanwhile O'Neill is set to step up his interest in Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who could leave Villa Park if Grant Holt joins. O'Neill knows Agbonlahor well from their time together at Villa Park and believes he could be available for transfer if new Villa chief Paul Lambert signs Holt from his old club Norwich.