Sorensen's agent defends his man

The agent of outgoing SAFC keeper Thomas Sorensen has hit back at the criticism of his client as negotiations to take him to Aston Villa continue.

The Danish international is holding out for a loyalty payment in the region of £500,000 from Sunderland.

Paul Stretford told the Sunderland Echo "It is a disgrace what has been said.

"This is something which is in his contract in black and white. He holds the record at Sunderland Football Club for most clean sheets in a season and was offered a contract which reflected that.

"Taking that into consideration, I don't see how anyone could argue he is now holding the club to ransom."

Villa, for their part, have said nothing since their statement of 30th July confirming that negotiations were still in progress.