Sunderland midfielder Jan Kirchhoff has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Hamburger SV.
Kirchoff is regarded as an important member of Sunderland's first-team squad but he has just six months remaining on his existing deal at the Stadium of Light.
According to reports in Germany, that has alerted Hamburg, who are familiar with the 26-year-old after his spells with Bayern Munich, Schalke 04 and Mainz.
Kirchhoff has previously indicated that he would like to remain in the North-East, but boss David Moyes has said in the past that the club will not open contract talks with any player in the foreseeable future.
The German player has made 22 appearances in the Premier League since signing in January.
