PAUL SMITH could be a shock inclusion in the list of players to join the expected St Mary's exodus this summer.

The Daily Echo understands that Premiership newcomers Sunderland and Newcastle are monitoring the 24-year-old goalkeeper's situation following Saints' relegation.

Smith was signed by Gordon Strachan during the January transfer window of 2004 from Brentford in a deal worth up to £500,000.

Even though he has only played a handful of matches as deputy to Antti Niemi, Saints would expect a handsome return on that fee - certainly as the player is now viewed as being on the fringe of England squad selection.

Smith last week missed out on following Peter Crouch into the England squad for the summer tour of the USA later this month - Liverpool's Scott Carson just pipping him for a place.

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy has rebuilt the Black Cats following their relegation from the Premiership in 2003 by bringing in young English talent from outside the top flight.

And a Sunderland source said: "Paul Smith perfectly fits the template Mick has been working from. He's young, hungry to succeed and talented.

"Last season Mick signed players like Dean Whitehead from Oxford, Liam Lawrence from Mansfield, Neil Collins from Dumbarton and Danny Collins from Chester when they were bottom of the league.

"He has targeted players who are the best at their level. Now he will be looking at the Premier reserve leagues for the top players there - and Paul Smith is definitely one of those."

Sunderland are believed to be ready to offer either Norwegian Thomas Myhre or Estonian No 1 Mart Poom, the former Pompey keeper, as part exchange if they firm up their interest in Smith.

Poom has hardly played since picking up a knee injury last October while Myhre, who ended Sunderland's Championship winning side as the regular goalkeeper, is out of contract.

Newcastle, meanwhile, might be interested if they lose Shay Given, who has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal in the past - as has Saints No 1 Antti Niemi.

Newcastle's chief scout is Ray Clarke, who occupied the same post at St Mary's when Smith was signed.