Leroy Lita doesn't want to play for Reading in tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Tottenham.
But Sunderland boss Roy Keane is also keen on the Congo-born striker, 23, with Anthony Stokes and Michael Chopra unable to get goals.
Lita, however, would be unavailable for the remainder of the FA Cup if he plays at Tottenham.
The Mirror says Lita has pleaded with Reading boss Steve Coppell NOT to play him against Spurs tomorrow so he is not cup-tied ahead of a move this month.