Filip Helander admits playing in the Premier League represents a childhood dream for him.

The Hellas Verona defender has attracted the interest of Sunderland, who are believed to be eyeing a new centre-half as Everton continue their pursuit of Lamine Kone.

23-year-old Swede Helander, who enjoyed a strong debut season in Italy with Hellas after joining from Malmo last summer, indicates he is ready to make the move to England's top flight so he can realise a boyhood ambition.

"It is clear that the Premier League is interesting," he told Swedish newspaper Expressen.

"For me it has always been a childhood dream. But I'll see.

"There are still a little more than two weeks left in the transfer window so a lot can still happen."