SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Thomas Myhre is negotiating a move away from the Stadium of Light while his current team-mates prepare to open their pre-season campaign in North Carolina tonight.

The Norwegian international was not part of the Black Cats squad that travelled to the United States last weekend after being told that he was surplus to requirements on Wearside.

Myhre made just four appearances for the Black Cats last season after Estonian stopper Mart Poom firmly established himself as the club's undisputed number one.

But the 30-year-old, who was signed by Peter Reid in July 2002, is still one of the highest earners on Sunderland's books.

Myhre spent three months on loan at Crystal Palace either side of Christmas and has held preliminary talks with the Premiership newcomers.

But Palace shelled out £500,000 to sign Dundee youngster Julian Speroni yesterday and, while the Eagles are still keen on adding Myhre to their ranks, the Scandinavian is worried about the prospect of spending more time on the bench in south London.

Instead, the veteran stopper is mulling over two offers from the continent as he looks to secure a move away from Wearside.

Spanish side Levante are interested in signing Myhre and are understood to have watched him during Norway's goalless draw with Wales earlier this year.

Myhre is also thought to be interesting former Newcastle number two Mick Wadsworth as he prepares for his first season with Portuguese side Beira Mar.

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