The Ivorian almost joined the Black Cats in the summer, but he failed to gain the work permit which would allow him to leave Atalanta.
And now the 19-year-old midfielder, who already has four goals to his name this season, is hoping to get snapped up by Manchester United instead.
"I have two football role models: Yaya Touré and Michael Essien. I take a bit from both," Kessie told Sky Italia.
"Essien runs a lot and Yaya is a bit more attacking. They told me I needed to work harder to reach higher levels.