Former Albion boss Gus Poyet is poised to step up his pursuit of Liam Bridcutt - by selling Lee Cattermole.

Cattermole is being linked with a move to Premier League rivals Stoke City, which could clear the way for Sunderland to increase their bid for Bridcutt.

Stoke are closing in fast on Cattermole for a transfer package of around £5 million, according to the Sentinel newspaper.

Cattermole occupies the defensive midfield role at the Stadium of Light earmarked by Poyet for Bridcutt.

The Seagulls rejected a £2 million bid for Bridcutt at the beginning of the January transfer window.

Chairman Tony Bloom is determined to keep hold of the player of the season for the last two years but Bridcutt has made clear his desire to leave Albion.

He had a transfer request rejected in the wake of Sunderland's offer and told the management staff he was not in the right frame of mind to play at Derby last Saturday after recovering from injury.