Marseille right-back Garry Bocaly is interesting Sunderland.
The News of the World says the Martinique-born defender spent last season on loan at Montpellier and has played at all youth levels for France.
It is believed Steve Bruce spotted him in the France Under-21 side and is mulling over a loan bid in January.
Marseille coach Didier Deschamps does not want to release Bocaly, 21, but a temporary switch can aid his education as some observers in France feel he is still a little raw.