Soccer:Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has confirmed the club are hopeful of agreeing a deal for Manchester United defender John O'Shea. The Black Cats have made a triple bid for O'Shea and United team-mates Darron Gibson and Wes Brown as they look to bolster their squad.

And United are ready to let the trio move on as they have slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford. A number of other Premier League clubs have been credited with an interest in O'Shea, but Quinn is optimistic he can lure his fellow Irishman to the Stadium of Light.

"We are in there trying hard for John and will see if something can unravel. We feel it is getting closer," Quinn said.

"John had good family news in the last few days with the birth of his child. We've had to back off which is only correct. But the players are back in and we will see if something can unravel."

Arsenal and Stoke are both reported to be interested in O'Shea and Quinn is not surprised Sunderland face competition for the Republic of Ireland international.

"There is interest, naturally. All you can do is make your own pitch but we would love if John chose us," added Quinn.

Quinn admits there is still work to be done on luring Gibson to Wearside after holding talks with the midfielder. He added: "That one is a little bit further away. We would certainly still like it to happen but we will have to see."