Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce is interested in signing Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin when the transfer window opens in January, according to ESPN.
Austin, 26, has been heavily linked to Sunderland rivals Newcastle in recent months, but they could now face competition from the Black Cats for his signature.
The England striker scored 18 goals in the Premier League last season and is currently the top goalscorer in the Championship (7) despite missing their last match through injury.
Sunderland are in desperate need of a regular goalscorer having only managed to score in one of their last four matches. In fact, only Watford, West Brom and Newcastle (all 6) have scored fewer goals than the Black Cats in the league so far this season (8).
For more stats on Charlie Austin, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
