SUNDERLAND officials have spelled out their determination to keep both Lee Cattermole and Jordan Henderson, despite Liverpool’s mounting interest in the midfield duo.

However, with Cattermole’s contract understood to include a clause that potentially enables him to speak to prospective suitors, it remains to be seen whether the Black Cats can keep both players this summer.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is hoping to make at least one transfer breakthrough next week, and has instructed his club’s hierarchy to make inquiries into the possible availability of Cattermole and Henderson.

To that end, there has been contact between Anfield and Wearside on at least two occasions this week, although the discussions are understood to have stopped short of a formal bid being lodged.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn and manager Steve Bruce are fully aware of the extent of Liverpool’s interest, which has strengthened in the wake of a series of positive reports from the club’s North-East scout, Alan Harper.

Liverpool’s valuation of Henderson is believed to be higher than their price assessment of Cattermole, but the Reds have been monitoring the latter for more than a season.

Bruce was expecting interest in both midfielders this summer, but remains extremely reluctant to part company with either.

Henderson is still at an extremely early stage of his development, and while a senior England debut last autumn underlined how highly he is rated, Sunderland’s backroom staff believe he will only get better.

Cattermole is at a much more advanced stage of his career, but is still just 23, despite having made more than 150 Premier League appearances.

He was Bruce’s first signing as Sunderland manager and retained the captain’s armband last season despite his disciplinary problems, underlining the depth of the relationship between manager and player. Cattermole is, however, deeply ambitious, and a move to a Liverpool side hoping to compete for a Champions League place next season would appeal.

Sunderland are hoping their skipper’s head will not be turned, but Bruce will be willing to hold a series of one-to-one talks if he feels Cattermole needs reassurances about the direction the club are heading in.

Manchester United’s Wes Brown has emerged as Bruce’s preferred replacement for Nedum Onuoha, who has returned to Manchester City at the end of his loan.

Bolton are also expected to compete for the 31-year-old’s signature if he is allowed to leave Manchester United.