Sunderland want former Coventry City forward Craig Bellamy if they can get him on a free.
According to the People, Bellamy has a year of a deal at Manchester City left but is hoping for a pay-off.
The paper says that "If Manchester City cannot find a buyer, which seems unlikely, they could simply reach a settlement with the player – and that opens the door to Sunderland."
However, with Bellamy having played for local rivals Newcastle United, any move for the player who spent last season on loan at Cardiff City may not prove popular.