SUNDERLAND defender Trai Hume has reiterated his desire to play Premier League football but insists he's happy at the Stadium of Light.

It comes after another impressive campaign in the red and white, with his performances attracting attention from a number of potential suitors this summer.

Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Leicester City, Leeds United and Italian giants Napoli were all credited with an interest in the Northern Irish full-back last season, despite Sunderland's disappointing campaign overall.

Hume is expected to be the subject of interest again this summer having gone from strength to strength since arriving from Linfield back in January 2022.

That being said, the 22-year-old is relaxed about his current situation.

Hume told the Belfast Telegraph: “I think I could play in the Premier League. You have to keep yourself at a high standard and you want to push yourself as much as you can.

“That’s the level I want to get to but I’m happy enough at Sunderland and happy where I’m at and I’m really enjoying my football. If a move happens, it happens and if doesn’t I’m happy to play for Sunderland.

“I try not to think about it. I let my agent deal with all that stuff and until they come to Sunderland and offer money I don’t pay too much attention to it.”

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Northern Irish outfit Linfield will be keeping a close eye on developments at the Stadium of Light this summer, with a reported 15 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal that brought him to Wearside.

The Black Cats find themselves in a transitional period after a disappointing campaign. While they're yet to appoint a new head coach, Hume remains hopeful next season will be different.

“I played in every single game last season so that’s a positive and I think I did well throughout but we didn’t finish where we wanted to finish and stay high up the table," he said. "Coming in this season we’ll have a new manager and hopefully we can get ourselves where we want to be.”