Championship sides have been put on red alert with news that Sunderland midfielder Liam Miller has been put on the transfer list.

The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international, currently out of action with a calf strain, joins Ross Wallace, David Connolly, Ian Harte and Stephen Wright on the list of players not currently loaned out that manager Roy Keane has deemed surplus to requirements.

The former Manchester United player can only join a Football League club on an emergency loan deal until the end of the season, a loophole that could be exploited by one of a number of Championship clubs seeking an experienced player to bolster their squad at such a key time in the campaign.

Miller was one of the first new signings to arrive at the Stadium of Light in August 2006 when Keane took over, and has since made 50 league appearances for the Black Cats.

His only goal of the season so far was a last-minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough in September.

Eurosport