Report: Championship trio want Sunderland's Craig Gardner

Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner is the target of three Championship clubs, according to a report.

The 27-year-old scored the goal that sent the Black Cats through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, as they defeated Southampton 1-0 on Saturday.

However, Gardner has found playing time in the Premier League hard to come by in recent weeks, and Queens Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City are eyeing a loan move for the midfielder, reports The Mirror.

Gardner has made 21 appearances for Sunderland this season, scoring three goals in the process.