Leeds and Palace join Malaga in Thornton chase

SUNDERLAND’S Republic of Ireland U21 midfielder Sean Thornton is wanted by Leeds, Crystal Palace and Spanish side Malaga.

Thornton, 22, was transfer-listed by Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy after a series of off-field indiscretions, which included missing a recent Republic U21s training camp.

Thornton’s agent, Lee Payne, has urged newly-promoted Sunderland to let him go on a free transfer rather than hold out for a fee.

Payne confirmed: “A number of Championship clubs have shown an interest in Sean, but Leeds and Crystal Palace are the two that have been in contact the most.

“A couple of Spanish clubs have been in touch, with Malaga showing a firm interest. Sean’s been left devastated - he doesn’t want to leave Sunderland, but he’s been backed into a corner.”

“I think the Sunderland board are hoping to get about £250,000 before they’ll let Sean go, but that’s holding up the whole process.’