Fulham want to take advantage of Roy Keane’s rebuilding plans by luring Dickson Etuhu away from Sunderland, according to the Sunderland Echo

Roy Hodgson has an initial inquiry about the Nigerian international’s availability with Etuhu’s first-team chances are likely to be limited this season. The Fulham boss is now mulling over whether to submit a formal offer for the former Norwich City midfielder, who only moved to Stadium of Light last summer.

The final piece of a serious summer of rebuilding would be the acquisition of a defensive-minded midfielder designed to provide cover for Danny Murphy, who turns 32 later this year. Hodgson had been keen on on signing Vince Grella but baulked at Torino’s £4m asking price. Etuhu, who cost the Black Cats £1.5m last year, proved himself capable of playing in the Premier League last year but has slipped down Roy Keane’s pecking order this summer.

With the likes of Andy Reid, Kieran Richardson, Steed Malbranque, Dean Whitehead, Teemu Tainio, El Hadji Diouf and Grant Leadbitter all ahead of him, Etuhu could be tempted by a move to London and Sunderland would welcome the additional funds a permanent transfer could provide.