Keeper linked with Reds switch

Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet is being linked with a move to Manchester United although his agent has played down the reports.

Guy Vandermissien, the agent who represents the Belgian international, dismissed rumours of a move to Old Trafford for the 24-year-old who has been outstanding all year and is keeping former Coventry star Keiren Westwood out of the side. "There are ongoing negotiatings for an extension with Sunderland," he said. "We'll see if we reach an agreement." Last week it was claimed in Belgium that United were looking at Mignolet while David De Gea struggled to adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League. In separate reports it was also suggested that the Spanish keeper had instructed his own agent to get him a move back to La Liga, where Real Madrid are looking for the long-term successor to Iker Casillas. Mignolet told Het Niewsblad: "I have read the reports on the internet. I do not know. This is obviously very nice to be linked to such a big city team. But for now, I feel good in Sunderland." The former Sint-Truinden star joined Sunderland for £2million in 2010 and although his current contract expires in 2015, talks to extend his stay on Wearside are underway.