England under-21 midfielder Grant Leadbitter has signed a new three-year contract with Sunderland.

Reasons to be cheerful: Grant Leadbitter

The 22-year-old Sunderland-born player, who made his debut for the club in 2003, is one of the few players to survive manager Roy Keane's cull of players he inherited from Mick McCarthy.

Leadbitter scored twice in 17 Premier League starts last season and Keane made the midfielder's contract extension one of his summer priorities, along with Daryl Murphy and Dwight Yorke, who has yet to decide his future at the club.

Leadbitter said: 'I'm pleased to sign. I'm happy at the club and I want to help drive it forward next season, I want to kick on.'

Sunderland boss Keane added: 'Grant's done a good job since I came to the club. He's got quality and he's enthusiastic - a good character. He's maturing well.'

Stoke City have made a £1.5 million bid for Sunderland's 25-year-old reserve keeper and Hungary international Marton Fulop who may be allowed to leave the Stadium of Light after failing to dislodge Craig Gordon from the number one spot since signing from Tottenham.