Asante Kotoko have confirmed Sunderland's interest in Mahatma Otoo.

The 21-year-old striker actually plays for Kotoko's rivals Hearts of Oak, for whom he has 12 goals this season and where he is in the final year of his current contract.

Sources in Africa claim that form has seen Kotoko recommend Otoo to the Wearside outfit, who in turn are reported to have instructed Kotoko to initiate talks with the player's club over a potential move, says The Journal.

"There's nothing wrong with that because we have an agreement with Sunderland but there are obviously things I can't talk about now," said Kotoko chairman Dr K K Sarpong.