THOMAS SORENSEN confessed for the first time last night that he fears becoming a Nationwide League goalkeeper next season, writes Steven Baker.

After last week accusing Sunderland of pricing him out of a move by valuing him at £4m, Sorensen admitted he is becoming reconciled to the prospect of having his hopes of a speedy departure from Wearside dashed.

He said: "I have to accept that it may take some time for a move, and I'm also aware that I might be playing for Sunderland next season.

"It was apparently a romantic thought of mine to think that things would already be settled, before Denmark's games against Norway and Luxembourg.

"I've got one year left on my contract and it wouldn't be a catastrophe if I didn't play in the Premiership next season. But of course that's what I'd like to do."

Sorensen is wanted by a posse of clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Birmingham City.

But after appearing a certain member of the mass exodus from the Stadium of Light, he could yet return to Wearside for the start of pre-season training on July 2.

He is set to play for Denmark in two Euro 2004 qualifiers next month and is trying to put his club situation to the back of his mind.

Sorensen said: "I've got used to all the talk about my position at Sunderland.

"This has been going on since the club revealed that they would sell off some of the squad.

"I'm fully focused on the Norway match, but I don't feel I should prove my value in internationals because everybody already knows what I can do."