Belgium is said to be desperate to play in next year’s World Cup for his country.
In-demand Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will not be extending his current contract at the Stadium of Light according to the player’s agent, reports the Sunderland Echo.
The highly-rated young Belgium international has been in the north west for the past three seasons, having joined the Black Cats from Belgium minnows Sint-Truiden for just £2 million on a five-year deal in June 2010.
And, it is fair to say that in the intervening two-year period, the 25-year-old has proved himself to be one of the most consistent and effective shot stoppers currently plying their trade in the Premier League, featuring in 101 matches in all competitions for the strugglers, including 90 in the top flight.
In fact, Mignolet’s form between the sticks for Sunderland in the previous campaign was so impressive that it went a long way towards keeping the club in the Premier League, however, with reported interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool in the player, his representative has now confirmed that he will not be extending his contract beyond 2015.
“There is no progress. I think it is very unlikely that he will sign a new contract,” Nico Vaesen told the Echo.
“Simon has obviously come to a point where he wants to step up a level and there is a lot of interest in him.
“He is very ambitious and wants to play in the World Cup, in Brazil, next year.
“It was a good thing that Sunderland stayed up and it is a fantastic club where he has had three great years.
“But it is maybe time to step up a level and play for a club competing for a European spot.”
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