ANTHONY REVEILLERE has left Sunderland after Dick Advocaat decided he wanted more attack-minded full-backs to compete for a shirt next season.

The 35-year-old only started one game under the Dutchman but there had been hints from the Stadium of Light that he might be offered an extension.

But Reveillere, who was a Gus Poyet signing and well liked by the Uruguayan, is now looking for a new club after Advocaat decided to pursue other options in that role. He has tended to field Patrick van Aanholt and Billy Jones down either side and both remain Sunderland players.

Reveillere is a versatile defender who played 17 times for the Black Cats after arriving as a free agent in October having left Napoli at the end of last season. He has previously played for Lyon, Valencia and Rennes and is now expected to return to France.

Reveillere’s departure arrives in the same week that another experienced defender has been handed a new deal.

As revealed in The Northern Echo yesterday, Wes Brown is on the verge of agreeing a 12-month contract to stay on Wearside after Advocaat decided he would like the former Manchester United man to form part of his squad next season.

Confirmation that Brown, who will turn 36 early in the new season, is staying is likely to arrive before the weekend and Sunderland’s sporting director Lee Congerton is still on the look-out for further defenders.

Sunderland have identified Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk as one of their top defensive targets but there is strong competition for his services from across the Premier League. Southampton, Everton and Arsenal have all been credited with an interest in him.

Speaking from Holland, the 23-year-old has hinted he is ready to move on. Celtic have slapped a £10m price-tag on him, although Glasgow sources suggest the Parkhead club could be willing to accept less than that.

Van Dijk said: “I’m learning in Scotland every day, but I also know there is more. I want more. It’s time for the next challenge. I am 24 this year, I’m ready for something new – more pressure, better opponents.

“There has been interest every summer and winter, especially from the Premier League. I stood there open to it. But Celtic decided not to sell me at that time.

“Yes, I was disappointed. They must understand that as a footballer, sometimes it’s time to make a move. Of course the Champions League millions are important for Celtic, but they cannot dismiss any interest.

“If the correct amount is placed on the table, then they will really think about it, yes. If Celtic want to earn money from me, the club must act now.”