Subotic linked with Stoke and Sunderland

Stoke City and Sunderland are both reported to have met with the agent of Borussia Dortmund centre-back Neven Subotic.

Subotic was linked with Liverpool in January following the Reds’ appointment of Jurgen Klopp, but the former Dortmund boss has apparently ruled out a reunion at Anfield.

The Serbia international is keen on a move to the Premier League, though, and has already been approached by Stoke and Sunderland, according to the Sun on Sunday.

The two clubs are both said to have met with the 27-year-old’s representatives to discuss personal terms ahead of agreeing a price with Dortmund, with a season-long loan deal another option.

However, Subotic struggled with injuries and failed to hold down a regular spot this season and so could be available for a cut-price fee.

He told Ruhr Nachricten: “I have been a footballer for a decade. This was the first one in which I had very little playing time.

“I did not become a footballer to earn my money on the bench. I want to play. I think if you know anything about me, you’ll know I’m a fighter.”

Last month, Subotic said he would fancy a move to England should he leave Dortmund this summer, telling transfermarkt.de: “I’ve got to be honest and say that the English Premier League is very suitable for my way of playing football.

“The intensity and the physical nature of the game are very attractive for me.”