Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has admitted his interest in signing Manchester City captain Richard Dunne.

Dunne is City's longest-serving player but could become surplus to requirements at Eastlands this summer with Citizens boss Mark Hughes chasing a number of high-profile defensive signings, most recently being linked with Chelsea's John Terry.

And if Dunne is made available by City, Quinn is ready to pounce to boost Steve Bruce's options at the back.

"He is a player who is an excellent footballer but he is a Man City player until they say any different and we stand in a line," he said in the Daily Mail.

"We are not the only admirers but if there is a chink of light we will get through it if we can.

"We probably need a few men and spirited people to lift what we have and of course Richard Dunne would fit the bill."