John Utaka is happy to be linked with a move to Sunderland Football Club.

The Nigerian international is one of the highest earners at Portsmouth, who are desperate to offload him ahead of the 2010-2011 season to ease their financial worries.

Steve Bruce is believed to be interested in taking the former Rennes forward to the Stadium of Light, and this has been welcomed by the 28-year-old.

“As a player I love challenges, and it will be nice to don the colours of Sunderland,” Utaka said. “It’s speculation to me, but I pray something tangible happens before the end of this week.”

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