Middlesbrough’s new boss Tony Pulis has overlooked the pair so far, which appears to have sparked Sunderland’s interest.
Sunderland manager Chris Coleman is looking at Middlesbrough midfielders Adam Clayton and Adam Forshaw, according to the Northern Echo.
Sunderland are desperately short of central midfield options, with Jonny Williams, Lee Cattermole, Didier N’Dong and Darron Gibson all sidelined.
Clayton and Forshaw, meanwhile, have failed to feature in either of Tony Pulis’ first two games as Middlesbrough manager.
A number of Championship clubs – notably Leeds United, Aston Villa and Sheffield United – are being linked with moves for Clayton in particular.
However, Sunderland’s current league position – out of harm’s way in 24th – could make them a favourable option for Middlesbrough.
Coleman only has George Honeyman, Lynden Gooch and Paddy McNair to call on in central midfield, although he could be forced to bring Jack Rodwell in from the cold should reinforcements fail to arrive.
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