Papiss Demba Cisse is back on Sunderland's radar.

The Black Cats have watched the £13million-rated Freiburg hitman twice in recent weeks and The Journal reports he is near the top of their wish list to replace Asamoah Gyan, who will not return to Wearside while Bruce remains manager.

Manager Steve Bruce had wanted to bring Cissé to the club in August but any move depended on Gyan leaving the Stadium of Light - which proved difficult and ultimately badly-timed for the club. Now, with January planning beginning to take shape, Bruce sees his pace and power as the perfect foil for Nicklas Bendtner.