Sunderland have confirmed an interest in West Ham striker David Connolly.
Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy hopes to land the Republic of Ireland frontman 12 months after missing out on his signature.
But Sunderland face stiff competition from Leicester City, their rivals in the Coca Cola Championship next season, who had already tabled a bid for the 27-year-old.
West Ham have accepted offers from both clubs who are now awaiting a decision from the player.
Sunderland chairman Bob Murray said: “David Connolly is a player we are very interested in. We made an offer to West Ham on Monday while the player was at Leicester City having his medical.
“West Ham accepted our bid, as it was a superior offer, and we are now in discussions with the player and his representative.
“The final decision lies with David. We all recognise the need for an additional striker and David has played for Mick McCarthy at international level and alongside both Gary Breen and Colin Healy.”
