Crystal Palace and Fulham are interested in securing the signature of Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.

The 21-year-old has been impressing with the Black Cats, having left the West Ham academy last January.

With 35 first team appearances, the Frenchman is already a mainstay for the Championship side.

Per The Standard, Fulham and Palace have decided that central midfield is a priority position in the winter.

Joao Palhinha is expected to depart Fulham if a big enough offer arrives in January.

Meanwhile, Palace are struggling to deal with the loss of the injured Cheick Doucoure for the rest of the season.