The Swede has failed to make the grade in England and will go out on loan, with former club Aalborg keen to take him back.

Prica played no part in Sunderland's last two pre-season games – against Cobh Ramblers on Monday and Nottingham Forest on Wednesday – and did not sparkle when he was given the chance to impress during Sunderland's pre-season jaunt to Portugal.

No Scandinavian clubs would be able to match what the 28-year-old earns on Wearside so a loan move is the best way to move Prica on in the short term.

Danish side Aalborg face competition from Norwegian outfits SK Brann and Rosenberg for the Sweden international who scored on his debut against Birmingham in January but made little impact in five subsequent substitute appearances after joining in a deal worth more than £2million.

Despite knowing he will be without Kenwyne Jones through injury, Sunderland boss Roy Keane has decided Prica does not form part of his plans for taking the Black Cats to the next level.

The manager continues to work hard on transfers and Celtic's Bobo Balde is reported to be close to bolstering the Wearsiders' rearguard.

Linked with a Sunderland move more than once in recent months, Balde has a year left on his current contract but has been told he can leave on a free transfer.

Having missed out on Spurs' Younes Kaboul, Keane is scouring the market in a bid to increase his options in central defence.

There looks little prospect of loan star Jonny Evans being allowed to leave Manchester United for a third stint on Wearside.

SEE Friday's Mail for interview with 1973 FA Cup legend Jimmy Montgomery