The 31-year-old former Tottenham midfielder has flourished under Steve Bruce in the last year and the Frenchman is ready to commit to the Wearside club for the rest of his career.
New deal: Malbranque has opened talks with Sunderland over a new contract
Chairman Niall Quinn said: 'We're talking to him about a new deal which will keep him here longer. He's a great asset, he's got great skill and he's someone we want with us.
'When he gets that ball, he's like a corkscrew with the way he spins and twists.
Road to recovery: Welbeck has been out for two months
'He's got such great skill and it's great for our fans that we have a player like that at the club and hopefully he'll be here longer now.'
Malbranque was signed from Tottenham Hotspur by Roy Keane in 2008 . Popular with supporters, the Belgian-born playmaker looked to be on his way out of the club a year ago after breaking a curfew, for which he was fined. It also led to clear the air talks with Bruce and a switch of position.
Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell continue their recovery from long-term injuries and will play against West Ham reserves in a behind-closed-doors match in Sunderland today.
On loan Manchester United striker Welbeck had a 20 minute run-out at Arsenal on Saturday after just two training sessions and two months out with a knee injury.
Former Old Trafford team-mate Campbell has been out for six months with cruciate knee ligament damage but is ready to play matches.
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?Explore more:People: Niall Quinn, Roy Keane, Danny Welbeck Places: Belgium
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail