RADOSLAV Kovac admits he would be interested in joining Sunderland after getting a taste of English football with West Ham United.

The Czech Republic midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham last season and is determined to move back to England.

However, a move to the north east is not certain because it is unclear if Sunderland will want or be able to meet the £4m asking price his current club Spartak Moscow has set.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has not yet made an official offer for the 29-year-old but is said to be monitoring the situation.

Agent Viktor Kola told the Newcastle Journal: "Radoslav would be interested in a move. It would certainly be a solution that he would welcome. He knows the history of the club so I believe that from his perspective there would certainly be interest if Sunderland did make a bid.

"He realised that he can handle the level of English football and could make an impact in the Premier League. He enjoyed his time in England and ideally wants to come back - if Sunderland made an offer of course he'd be interested."

Kovac joined West Ham on-loan last season for an undisclosed fee with a view to the transfer becoming permanent but the Hammers decided against keeping him.

Kola added: "The contract with West Ham has run out so Radoslav will return to pre-season training with Spartak Moscow if nothing else happens. But England would be his preferred place to play."

Kovac played nine time for the Hammers and scored one goal during his spell in east London.

The midfielder made his international debut against Romania in October 2004 and has since played in the World Cup in 2006.

He has won more than 25 caps for his country.