Sunderland interested in QPR defender Caulker

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers - Upton Park

Sunderland have made an enquiry about Steven Caulker and are expected to table an offer for the QPR defender.

Caulker, 24, has failed to make an impact at Southampton and his season-long loan could be terminated during the January transfer window.

That would pave the way for Rangers to sell Caulker or loan him to another club for the remainder of the campaign.

Crystal Palace have also been linked with him but so far Sunderland are the only club to have made an approach.

The Feltham-born Caulker, who began his career at Tottenham and has made one appearance for England, joined QPR from Cardiff City for £8m in the summer of 2014.

He left on loan following Rangers’ relegation from the top flight and has made just three Premier League appearances for Southampton since moving to St Mary’s.