LIVERPOOL have emerged as front runners in the race to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, but the Belgium international insists he is not actively seeking a move away from the Stadium of Light.

Mignolet's performances caught the eye of several clubs last season with Arsenal and Liverpool both seeking reinforcements between the sticks.

Sunderland are reluctant to let their prize asset leave given the fact he played a major part in keeping Paolo Di Canio's side in the Premier League last season, but the Black Cats manager wants to make wholesale changes to his squad and the sale of Mignolet would command a considerable fee.

The Emirates seemed the Belgian's most likely destination as Arsene Wenger seeks competition for Wojciech Szczesny, but with Pepe Reina a target of Barcelona, Brendan Rodgers is also on the hunt for a new number one.

Stoke City stopper Asmir Begovic has also been linked with a move to Anfield, but he insisted he is committed to the club.

Mignolet joined Sunderland in the summer of 2010 for a fee of around £2m from his hometown club St Truiden, and despite arriving as a future prospect the 25-year-old quickly established himself at the club's first choice keeper ahead of Craig Gordon and Keiren Westwood.

He helped the Black Cats stay in the top flight after a dangerous flirtation with the relegation zone towards the end of last season and the 25-year-old admits he didn't enjoy playing in a struggling team.

"It has been a difficult season with Sunderland," Mignolet said while on international duty this week.

"It's not much fun to play bottom of the league, and I think Sunderland will know they have to change something to prevent another season like that.

"The manager wants to change the team for the better. Let's hope he can do that next season.

"I am happy with my season.

"I played 38 matches. Few players can say they did that in a Premier League season. I also managed 11 clean sheets, which is not bad if you're playing at the bottom of the division. To do that, you have to be mentally strong, and I think it shows I have progressed a lot as a goalkeeper."

Mignolet's displays were rewarded when he received the North-East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award and although he is aware of the speculation, he insists he has not been in contact with anyone about a move away from the Stadium of Light.

He said: "Apart from the two club awards, I was voted North-East player of the year, and that is not a bad achievement, considering Newcastle were playing in a European competition and had players like Demba Ba and Ben Arfa in their ranks.

"I have had a good season, so it's logical your name is linked with one or two teams.

"I am ambitious, and I read the press as you do.

"I have read about it, but I haven't heard anything. I know there has been talk about Arsenal, but I haven't heard anything or received a phone call from Arsene Wenger.

"I will stay calm and focused on the Belgium games, and after that, go on holiday with my girlfriend. We will see what happens."