Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill wants to know Asamoah Gyan's plans.
Chief executive Margaret Byrne flew to Abu Dhabi to meet the Ghanaian in a bid to find out precisely what his plans are, says the People.
Gyan, 26, went to wealthy Al Ain six months ago and his expires in the summer, with the Arab outfit keen to keep him.
The powerful African is on a massive deal in the Middle East and if he returns to Wearside within a year it could cause tax problems for him.