Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is eager to get Connor Wickham's signature on a new deal this month.
The striker, again impressive for the stalemate with Chelsea, comes off contract in June and been in talks over a new deal since the start of the season.
The Sun says Sunderland manager Poyet wants to sort out forward Wickham's future before January and says the club are "working hard" on a new contract for the 21-year-old.
If nothing can be agreed, Wickham will be free to commit to a pre-contract with a club abroad from January 1.
