SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Jurgen Macho is willing to join Champions League qualifiers Chelsea - but only if he is guaranteed an escape route from Stamford Bridge.

The Austrian international, who will sever his links with the Stadium of Light when his contract runs out at the end of next month, is interested in a move to West London.

But he is insisting that any deal must be on his own terms.

The ambitious Macho, who maintains he would like to try his luck in Italy's Serie A or Spain's Primera Liga, will sign for Chelsea with the proviso that he can move on a Bosman transfer if he is denied regular first-team action.

With Carlo Cudicini firmly established as the Blues' No 1, Macho would face an almighty fight to dislodge the Italian.

But Macho, buoyed by an impressive 16-game mid-season run which featured heroic displays in a goalless draw at Liverpool and 3-0 defeat away to Chelsea, has massive belief in his own ability.

A move to Scottish Premier League side Hibernian appears to have been discounted, but Turkish giants Fenerbahce are understood to be interested along with clubs in Germany and his native Austria.

And Macho's agent, Frank Schreier, yesterday confirmed: "Chelsea is definitely an interesting one.

"Jurgen would not sign a long-term deal with them if it meant sitting on the bench.

"But if they were to guarantee him a clause saying he can leave on a Bosman free if he doesn't make enough appearances, then Chelsea is a possibility.''

* Sunderland have added a game against Second Division Huddersfield Town to their pre-season programme.

Mick McCarthy's men face the Terriers on Wednesday, July 23 at the McAlpine Stadium.

The Black Cats are due to confirm a further date in Scotland for Saturday, August 2.

Their revised pre-season schedule (all games away) is:

York City (Wednesday, July 16, 7.30, adults £10, concessions £5); Grimsby Town (Saturday, July 19, 3.00, prices to be announced); Huddersfield (Wednesday, July 23, 7.45, prices tba); Hibs (Saturday, July 26, 3.00, prices tba); Hearts (Wednesday, July 30, kick-off and prices tba).

Read more about Sunderland here.