Sunderland are exploring whether a move for Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu is viable as the newly promoted side look to continue their spending spree.
The 21-year-old Ghana international is one of the Foxes' most valuable assets, reportedly valued at about £30m.
The Black Cats have held preliminary talks to formalise their interest but no bid has been made yet amid concern that a move could be too costly or difficult to complete.
Sunderland have already spent £141.5m in the transfer window, which is just short of Nottingham Forest's £142m in the summer of 2022, a British record for a promoted club.