Sunderland are reportedly keeping tabs of Lorient defender Lamine Kone, ahead of a possible January move.
The 26-year-old joined Les Merlus in 2010, but had been linked with a number of clubs across Europe.
However, Get French Football News claims that Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce was at the Parc des Princes to watch Kone and Lorient take on Paris Saint-Germain.
Furthermore, it is thought that Sunderland are ready to step up their interest before a potential bid in the New Year.
Kone's current contract expires in 2017.
