Sunderland have been linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Ross McCormack in the summer transfer window.
McCormack has been left behind by Villa manager Bruce for their pre-season tour of Germany, along with midfielder Gary Gardner.
According to the report, it is not known whether the Villans will accept a loan deal or sell him on a permanent basis; Championship rivals Sunderland are claimed to be interested in the 30-year-old striker.
The former Leeds United star joined Villa from Fulham in the summer of 2016 for a transfer fee reported by BBC Sport to be worth £12 million.
The 30-year-old scored three goals and provided one assist in 20 Championship appearances for Villa in the first half of last season before leaving for Nottingham Forest on loan in the January transfer window.
The Scotland international striker scored one goal and provided one assist in seven Championship matches for the Reds.
Both Villa and Sunderland will be aiming to finish in the top six of the Championship during the 2017-18 campaign.
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