Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has emerged as a strong transfer target for Sunderland.
The Black Cats are still on the lookout for a replacement for Darren Bent and have enquired about the 27-year old Russia international according to his agent.
"They are one of the clubs who approached us concerning Pavel," Oleg Artemov told Sovetsky Sport.
"Besides them, there are some other teams from England and Germany who contact me from time to time, testing the waters for possible cooperation.
"So we just call each other and talk. Nothing of that went as far as some negotiations between the clubs."
He added: "Pogrebnyak has proved in Germany that he is a skilled football player.
"It would be interesting for me to watch him play in the English league, but it's up to the player.
"One thing I can tell you for sure is that Pavel will not be without a decent team."
