Sunderland reportedly ended their interest in signing Ki Sung-yueng when they were quoted £10m for his services by Swansea City during the summer.
The South Korea international spent last season on loan with the Black Cats, whom he helped to reach the final of the League Cup and retain their Premier League status.
Gus Poyet was keen to sign the 25-year-old on a permanent basis, but he turned his attention elsewhere when the Swans demanded a double-figure fee, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Ki recently extended his contract at the Liberty Stadium until 2018.
