Sky Sports is reporting that Sunderland and fierce local rivals Newcastle United are battling it out for Ajax ace Vurnon Anita.
Newcastle have had a bid rejected by Ajax for Anita with the Dutch giants thought to be holding out for a fee in the region of £10-£12million for the 23 year old Holland international.
Ajax are reluctant to lose Anita, but know they would not be able to resist a sizeable offer for the all-action midfielder.