Report: Sunderland eye Swiss defender Leo Lacroix

New Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has reportedly made Leo Lacroix one of his main January transfer targets.

It is believed that Allardyce - prior to his appointment at the Stadium of Light - watched the defender in action when his FC Sion side took on Liverpool in the Europa League earlier this season.

According to The Sun, Allardyce was suitably impressed by the 23-year-old's performance, with a £4m winter bid now in the offing.

The report adds that fellow Premier League sides Leicester City and Crystal Palace have also monitored Lacroix in recent months.

The centre-back has been capped by Switzerland at Under-21 level, but he is yet to represent the senior side.