Sunderland were linked with Jordan Jones over the summer.
Sunderland look to be launching a real bid for promotion back to the Championship under Jack Ross, and a couple of January additions could see them over the line.
The Black Cats sit second in the League One table, just two points behind league leaders Portsmouth, and look a good bet for promotion at the first time of asking.
Ross may have some major targets in mind as he seeks quality players who could not only help the promotion bid, but also fare well in the Championship – but a move for Jordan Jones looks increasingly unlikely.
The Daily Mail reported over the summer that Sunderland were in talks with Kilmarnock over a deal to bring Middlesbrough-born Jones back to the North East, but no deal could be finalised.
With Jones set to be out of contract next summer, Sunderland may have hoped to rekindle their interest in 2019 in the hope of landing a bargain, but there is increasing interest in his signature.
New reports from the Daily Mail claim Aston Villa and Swansea are now looking to sign Jones, offering him a Championship move once the January transfer window opens.
Sunderland are still a huge club and can compete with some Championship clubs even when in League One, but Villa and Swansea may just have too much for them in the race for Jones.
The winger would be an outstanding addition to his Sunderland side, and whilst Ross and co should still explore a January move, it seems unlikely that the Northern Ireland international will be heading to League One any time soon.
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