Manchester City transfer news: Manuel Pellegrini lines up move for Keiren Westwood as back up for No 1 goalkeeper Joe Hart

Former Sunderland man, 29, was released by the Black Cats

Manchester City are interested in free agent goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (Getty Images)

Manchester City are considering a surprise move for former Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

The Irish goalkeeper, 29, was released by Gus Poyet at the end of the season after making just 10 appearances last season.

Following the sale of Simon Mignolet to Liverpool, Westwood started the season as Paolo di Canio's No 1, but soon lost his place to Vito Mannone.

Costel Pantilimon may have usurped Joe Hart as City's starting stopper for a brief spell after the England man lost his form, but he was released at the end of the season and is, in fact, close to signing a deal with Sunderland.

Costel Pantilimon has left the club in search of more matches (Reuters)

The giant Romanian wants to play more and will not do that at the Etihad with Hart now Pellegrini's firm favourite.

Westwood, who had long spells at Carlisle and Coventry, was with City as a youngster, though he never played a game.