Ex-Sunderland manager Gus Poyet wants to raid his old club for one of his former players.

According to TEAMtalk, Poyet wants to sign Lee Cattermole for Bordeaux.

Bordeaux are hoping to land Cattermole on an initial loan deal with the option to make that permanent, although Sunderland would have to subsidise part of his wages at first.

The 30-year-old is believed to be earning £40,000-per-week so Sunderland are keen to get him off the wage bill now that they are playing League One football.

Cattermole joined Sunderland in 2009 and has played well over 200 games for the club.

Prior to his switch to The Stadium of Light, the former England under-21 international was at Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic and he has played more than 350 matches in his career.

The tough-tackling defensive midfielder could be set for a move to Ligue 1, where Bordeaux manager Poyet is hoping for a reunion.

The Verdict

If those wages are true, then Cattermole should definitely be offloaded if there is a potential suitor.

An initial loan is not ideal for Sunderland, though, especially if they have to pay some of his hefty wages.

For Cattermole, this is an exciting career move; the chance to team up with Poyet again and play top division football in another country.

Sunderland fans - Would you like to loan Cattermole out in this manner? Let us know below...