Sunderland have been linked with a move for Burton Albion striker Liam Boyce in this transfer window.
The Northern Ireland forward has scored an impressive 13 goals for the the Brewers so far this term, including the winner in their 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light in Novevember.
Black Cats manager Phil Parkinson wants to add pace and athleticism to his side this month and, according to the Sun, has identified Boyce as a key target.
Boyce, who spent a season in Germany with Werder Bremen, famously scored the winner against Sunderland in April 2018 during the 2-1 defeat to Burton which ultimately relegated the Black Cats from the Championship.
He has represented Northern Ireland on 21 occasions, scoring once in a friendly win over New Zealand.
One likely exit from the Stadium of Light his window is Dylan McGeouch, with the midfield set to join Aberdeen.
The former Hibernian man's future is thought to lie away from Wearside, with the Dons ready to make their move.
The deal could be done within the next 24 hours
Meanwhile, Sunderland's on-loan forward Marc McNulty is wanted by League Two Swindon Town.
The Scot has scored five times for the Black Cats since joining on temporary deal from Reading in the summer.
His last League One goal came back in September against Rotherham, and he has only started one league game under Parkinson.
However his loan deal is thought not to contain a recall clause, and Parkinson has gone on record to say that he wants him to stay.
"Marc is here with us for the rest of the season," Parkinson said when asked about the striker.
