A report claimed last night that the Black Cats had lodged an undisclosed offer for the American international, who scored 23 goals in the Dutch league last season.
However, that has been turned down by AZ, who are keen to keep hold of the 23-year-old, according to Sky Sports News.
It is not yet known if Sunderland intend to make an improved bid.
Restore Data
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd | 27 | 17 | 6 | 4 | 38 | 17 | 21 | 55 |
| 2 | Leeds UnitedLeeds | 26 | 15 | 8 | 3 | 48 | 19 | 29 | 53 |
| 3 | Burnley | 27 | 14 | 11 | 2 | 31 | 9 | 22 | 53 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 27 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 39 | 22 | 17 | 51 |
| 5 | Blackburn RoversBlackburn | 27 | 12 | 6 | 9 | 31 | 24 | 7 | 42 |
| 6 | West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom | 27 | 9 | 14 | 4 | 33 | 22 | 11 | 41 |
| 7 | Middlesbrough | 27 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 44 | 34 | 10 | 41 |
| 8 | Watford | 27 | 12 | 5 | 10 | 38 | 37 | 1 | 41 |
| 9 | Bristol City | 27 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 33 | 31 | 2 | 37 |
| 10 | Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds | 26 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 38 | 40 | -2 | 37 |
| 11 | Norwich CityNorwich | 27 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 43 | 39 | 4 | 36 |
| 12 | Queens Park RangersQPR | 27 | 8 | 11 | 8 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 35 |
| 13 | Swansea CitySwansea | 27 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 30 | 33 | -3 | 34 |
| 14 | Coventry CityCoventry | 27 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 35 | 37 | -2 | 32 |
| 15 | Oxford UnitedOxford Utd | 27 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 30 | 41 | -11 | 32 |
| 16 | Preston North EndPreston | 27 | 6 | 13 | 8 | 28 | 34 | -6 | 31 |
| 17 | Millwall | 26 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 24 | 24 | 0 | 30 |
| 18 | Stoke CityStoke | 27 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 25 | 33 | -8 | 28 |
| 19 | Derby CountyDerby | 27 | 7 | 6 | 14 | 31 | 37 | -6 | 27 |
| 20 | Cardiff CityCardiff | 27 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 29 | 41 | -12 | 27 |
| 21 | Hull City | 27 | 6 | 8 | 13 | 26 | 36 | -10 | 26 |
| 22 | Portsmouth | 26 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 32 | 45 | -13 | 26 |
| 23 | Luton TownLuton | 27 | 7 | 5 | 15 | 27 | 44 | -17 | 26 |
| 24 | Plymouth ArgylePlymouth | 27 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 25 | 55 | -30 | 21 |
| > Championship Full Table | |||||||||
