CONNOR WICKHAM is yet to agree a new deal at Sunderland, despite suggestions the striker has edged towards committing his future to the club.

The Black Cats are likely to cash in on Wickham at the turn of the year if he has not penned new terms by then with Leicester, Southampton and West Ham among those interested in him.

Talks are continuing with the player’s representatives and Sunderland’s sporting director Lee Congerton has made the situation a priority after the closure of the transfer window at the turn of the month.

Sources close to the club insist that nothing has been agreed at this stage, although it is understood Wickham remains interested in staying on Wearside if the deal is right.

The former Ipswich striker, signed by Steve Bruce for £8m three years ago, has become a key member of Poyet’s squad in the last six months and he is in line to keep his place in the starting line-up at Burnley this Saturday.

Wickham, who has failed to agree on terms presented to him since the end of last season, was preferred to lead the line ahead of Steven Fletcher against Tottenham last Saturday, when the latter was left out of the matchday squad. American Jozy Altidore is pressing for a spot too after returning from an injury picked up at the World Cup in confident mood.

Poyet has long-term ambitions to field two strikers up front, but is persisting with the lone striker system.

Wickham ended last season strongly, scoring five goals, but is yet to find the net in his four top-flight appearances this season.

The fact that Poyet – still searching for a first league win of the campaign - has already admitted Wickham will lead the line at Turf Moor highlights just how much he wants him to succeed and is keen for him to stay at the Stadium of Light.

He hopes the arrival of Argentine winger Ricky Alvarez will help his attackers, having been encouraged by the Inter Milan man’s first appearance since moving on loan.

Alvarez found it tough against Tottenham but with the first performance out of the way , his manager thinks he will shine during his time in the Premier League.

Poyet said: “The first thing I said to Ricky was welcome to the Premier League because this is what it is like week in and week out. The pace, the intensity, the tackling and the up and downs mean it is non-stop. People don’t realise that from the outside, they think football is 11 against 11 on a pitch but it is a totally different game.

“It depends on our team, how we play and how he adapts to us we also need to adapt top him but he needs to get used to the Premier League. I am sure he is going to enjoy his time here with us and Saturday will bring plenty of positives.”