Sunderland are reportedly expected to miss out on the loan signings of Liverpool duo Danny Ward and Ben Woodburn, two players allegedly being tracked by Black Cats boss Chris Coleman.
Coleman, who gave debuts to the pair while in charge of Wales, is believed to be keen on the duo ahead of the January transfer window, but the Sunderland Echo claims that Liverpool are refusing to allow Woodburn to leave.
The North-East side are looking to bolster their attack as top-scorer Lewis Grabban, who has scored 11 goals since joining the Stadium of Light on loan from Bournemouth, is being considered for a recall by his parent club.
Should Grabban leave, Coleman will only have one recognised striker in James Vaughn alongside an inexperienced Josh Maja.
Sunderland are also scouting Reds goalkeeper Danny Ward, who has failed to make an impact at Liverpool ahead of first-choice stoppers Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius.
