Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is reportedly preparing moves for Brighton & Hove Albion pair Liam Bridcutt and Will Buckley.

Bridcutt, 24, is widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the Championship, with his performances in recent seasons gaining admiring glances from the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Buckley, 24, scored eight times for Brighton last season and was a key player for Poyet during his time in charge of the Championship outfit.

According to The Telegraph, Bridcutt will cost in the region of £2.5m, while Poyet is hopeful of securing Buckley for little over £1m.

The Black Cats have already secured the loan signing of Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina.