Hunt is set to ply his trade in the Championship next season following the Royals' relegation last term.

The 26-year-old had been strongly linked with a move to the Black Cats in January's transfer window, but Keane failed in his reported attempts to land the talented midfielder.

However, Hunt could now be set to depart the Madejski Stadium after spelling out his desire to return to England's top flight in the future.

He said in The Sun: "It is a short career and fans would appreciate it more if players were more honest about these things.

"Anyone who says they don't want to be in the Premier League is lying.

"It's not that people are unhappy but fans aren't stupid. It makes more sense if they know what's going on."