Simon Mignolet's representative Nico Vaesen has confirmed that the goalkeeper is unlikely to sign a new deal at Sunderland.
The 25-year-old has been with Sunderland since 2010 and played every match in the Premier League last season.
Mignolet is currently away on international duty with Belgium, who top Group A in FIFA World Cup qualifying, but he is battling for a first-team place as Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois has been preferred.
However, Mignolet is in demand with Liverpool and Arsenal both rumoured to have expressed interest in him.
Mignolet's representative Vaesan, the former Birmingham City goalkeeper, told the Sunderland Echo: "I think it is very unlikely that he will sign a new contract.
"Simon has obviously come to a point where he wants to step up a level and there is a lot of interest in him.
"He is very ambitious and wants to play in the World Cup, in Brazil, next year.
"It was a good thing that Sunderland stayed up and it is a fantastic club where he has had three great years.
"But it is maybe time to step up a level and and play for a club competing for a European spot."
Mignolet still has two years left on his current contract at Sunderland
