DANNY Batth was missing from Sunderland's friendlies against South Shields and Gateshead because of injury - but Tony Mowbray didn't rule out an exit for the defender this summer amid interest from Blackburn Rovers.

Mowbray is desperate to keep Batth at the club but with Nectar Triantis and Jenson Seelt arriving this summer, there'll be added competition for places at the heart of the defence - which could leave the 32-year-old with a decision to make.

Batth was Sunderland's Player of the Year last season and made 40 Championship appearances, and while the Black Cats have been successful in adding talented young players to their ranks, Mowbray is conscious of the fact that the Wearsiders need to strike a balance with experienced players.

The head coach acknowledges, however, that Batth is at a stage of his career where he wants to be playing regular football.

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"We'll have to wait and see," said Mowbray, when quizzed on Batth's situation.

"It seems strange doesn't it to be talking about your Player of the Year last year. But we have signed two young centre halves, you hope that Dan Ballard stays fit and that Dennis Cirkin and Aji Alese aren't too far away.

"You reach a certain age in football and you want to play, I get on really with Danny and I've been there myself as a player. Let's see what the next six weeks brings on that front.

"He was amazing last year, I have to say that. If he stays great, if he goes it's because he wants to play. He'll get a feel of it [and we'll go from there]."

The transfer speculation had nothing to do with the fact Batth was missing from Sunderland's pre-season double header, with Mowbray's side beating South Shields 4-3 and Gateshead 3-2.

"It's just a knock, he's coming with us to the US," said the head coach.