SUNDERLAND target David Nugent has insisted he is in no rush to make up his mind about where he will be playing his football next season.

The in-demand Preston North End striker has been included in the provisional 30-man England Under-21 squad for the European Championships in Holland and will delay a decision on his future until after that.

And, given the competition runs from June 10 through to June 23, Sunderland manager Roy Keane could be forced to wait until pre-season training has started in July for Nugent.

"Every time I pick up a paper I'm linked with a different club. I'm handling it all right because, to be honest, I've not had time to think about it," said the 22-year-old. "I have been playing football since the league season finished and I'm going to be playing football all summer as well. I will have to think about it when I get back."

The Black Cats have made their interest in the forward known, although the clubs are apart in their valuation.

The Deepdale outfit have raised their price to £10m within the last few weeks and that means Sunderland - who were expecting to pay around £8m - are having to negotiate.

It has emerged Keane has been asked for one of his strikers in exchange, with Irishman Stephen Elliott the most likely candidate given his goalscoring reputation.

Sunderland have also been informed by Neil Lennon he would welcome a move to Wearside.

The Northern Irishman is available on a free transfer after allowing his contract to run down at Celtic, where he led the Bhoys to the league and cup double this season.

Lennon turns 36 next month and is hopeful he can secure a player/coach role at a Premiership club.

He said: "I will sit down and take a couple of days with my family and start talking to clubs if there are any offers out there. I will look at all the options I've got."

After being released by Sunderland, midfielder Tommy Miller is set for talks with a number of clubs this week, including Scottish Premier League side Hearts.