DeAndre Yedlin

Yedlin played a key role in Sunderland remaining in the Premier League last season after the American international’s defending improved dramatically during the second half of the campaign.

Sam Allardyce was coy at the end of the season over whether Yedlin’s progress had been sufficient for Sunderland to bring him back to the Stadium of Light after the end of his loan spell from parent club Spurs.

But the Echo understands that Sunderland are in talks with Spurs over Yedlin, with another season-long loan – potentially with a view to a permanent transfer – on the agenda.

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Despite Allardyce looking to sign a new right-back last January, he saw enough from Yedlin over the last four months of the season to persuade him that the ex-Seattle Sounders man can thrive in the Premier League.

Allardyce knows what he is getting if Sunderland can re-sign both Yedlin and fellow loanee Yann M’Vila, which would allow the Black Cats boss to concentrate on other areas of the side.

Sunderland do not want to pay over the odds for Yedlin though, even if the Black Cats clearly need to bring in a right-back this summer after the 22-year-old’s departure.

But with Kieran Trippier and England international Kyle Walker both ahead of Yedlin in the pecking order at White Hart Lane, Spurs are unlikely to stand in his way.

Yedlin - part of the USA side thrashed 4-0 by Argentina in the Copa America semi-finals last night - has made no secret of his readiness to return to Wearside too after being given his first sustained chance to thrive in English football.

He said last month: “I wouldn’t mind going back to Sunderland, whether it be on loan or whatever.

“I think it’s a great club and I had a great experience there, so I’d be open to that.”

Sunderland have been considering other full-back options on the Continent and were linked with a move for out-of-contract Nice defender Jeremy Pied earlier this month.