Sunderland are in talks with Ireland international Aiden O’Brien and have offered the forward a contract, according to reports.
The Northern Echo claim Sunderland have made the ex-Millwall man one of their top summer targets, with the 26-year-old versatile and able to play anywhere across the forward line.
O'Brien is available on a free transfer this summer having left Millwall where he came through the academy.
Although he's netted just 14 goals in the past three seasons in the Championship, he's operated more as a left-winger and is expected to arrive to add competition in the forward position just behind the main striker in Phil Parkinson's side, competing with Chris Maguire, Lynden Gooch and Elliot Embleton for a starting spot.
Despite that, he can also operate as a central striker if needed, and he netted double figures in both the 2015-16 and 16-17 seasons when Millwall were down in League One.
Standing at six-foot-tall and with natural athleticism, he has the physical capabilities to suit the way Parkinson wants the Black Cats to play.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have also been credited with interest in Northampton centre-back Charlie Goode, but they face stiff competition to land him.
The 6ft5in Cobblers captain, 24, is in high demand after helping his side to promotion to League One last season, with Sunderland named alongside Middlesbrough and QPR as potential suitors.
Sunderland are looking to bolster their defensive options after releasing three centre-backs this summer and losing Bailey Wright at the end of his loan spell. Wright is expected to sign a permanent deal on Wearside in the coming days, but that still leaves Parkinson with just three natural centre-backs and Conor McLaughlin who can cover there when needed.
Finally, released by Sunderland this summer, academy graduate Ethan Robson could be competing with the Black Cats for League One promotion next term.
According to reports, Oxford and Portsmouth are battling for the midfielder's signature, with both sides looking to build on their promotion pushes last term that saw them both miss out in the play-offs.
Robson is a talented player who was well thought of on Wearside, but struggled with injuries that made it difficult to break into the first team.
