Sunderland are reportedly prepared to rival Newcastle United for the signature of Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend.
Recent speculation has claimed that the Magpies were keen to capture the 24-year-old, who is expected to leave White Hart Lane during the upcoming January transfer window.
However, according to The Mirror, the Black Cats are also eager to enter the running.
The report adds that Sam Allardyce was previously in the market to sign Townsend during his stint in charge of West Ham United, but the deal never materialised.
It is believed that Spurs will demand around £7.5m for the Leytonstone-born player.