Sunderland are tracking Nice midfielder Wylan Cyprien following his fine performances in the French top flight this season.
While the winter transfer window has closed, the Black Cats are continuing to identify and monitor potential targets for the summer transfer window.
And according to Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, the Black Cats are on Cyprien's trail.
The 22-year-old was only snapped up by Nice last summer, but has already aroused interest with his performances for Ligue 1's third placed team.
He has been a regular for Nice this term, playing in all 25 of the club's Ligue 1 games so far and contributing six goals and three assists.
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Cyprien was last on target for Nice earlier this month when he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 home win over Saint-Etienne.
It is unclear whether Sunderland are considering a move for the 22-year-old and whether any future swoop is dependent upon the Black Cats keeping hold of their Premier League status.
Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League.
