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GRANT LEADBITTER has signed a new three-year contract at the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland could lose goalkeeper Marton Fulop to Stoke next week.

On the day it emerged that the Potters have made a £2m move for the Hungarian, Black Cats boss Roy Keane has also been told that one of his top striker targets, Andrew Johnson, will not be leaving Everton.

The offer from Stoke for Fulop looks certain to end in his departure, just 15 months after he arrived from Tottenham in a partexchange deal for Ben Alnwick.

The 25-year-old has become frustrated with life in the North- East, having accepted he is not even assured of being second choice to Craig Gordon.

And that has alerted Stoke manager Tony Pulis, who is waiting to hear whether the offer is good enough to tempt Keane into selling.

Such a fee would certainly come in handy for Keane's summer spending as he needs two new strikers.

As well as considering moves for Carlton Cole and James Beattie as replacements for injured target-man Kenwyne Jones, Keane would ideally like to have added Johnson to his ranks.

But, while the England forward is thought to be interested in a move south, Sunderland and other interested parties have been warned not to bother even making a bid for the player.

The 27-year-old still has four years to run on his existing terms at Goodison Park and Moyes has publicly stated his desire to retain the player's scoring prowess.

"Andy Johnson is not for sale, it is that simple," said Moyes.

"He is a highly valued member of my senior squad and I look forward to seeing him when the players report for pre-season training."

Keane felt he stood a chance of landing Johnson, having been made aware that the forward is becoming frustrated with life on Merseyside, where he has fallen behind Ayegbeni Yakubu in the pecking order after a season of injuries.

There is no such doubt surrounding the future of Sunderland midfielder Leadbitter.

The 22-year-old agreed and signed new terms yesterday, meaning he will be staying at the club he has supported since childhood until 2011 at least.

And Leadbitter, from nearby Fencehouses, said: "I'm happy at the club and I want to help drive it forward next season, I want to kick on."

Incredibly, Leadbitter is Sunderland's longest-serving player, after making his debut in September 2003, and his form under Keane brought him England Under-21 recognition last season.

"Grant's done a good job since I came to the club," said Keane.

"He's got quality and he's enthusiastic, a good character. He's maturing well."

8:23am Saturday 28th June 2008

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