Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Sunderland's Ji Dong-won has emerged as a surprise target for Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund as they look to enhance their striking options.

The German side, Champions League finalists back in May, are keen on the 22-year-old, whose contract at the Stadium of Light expires next summer.

That means that he can talk to clubs on the continent and sign a pre-contract agreement from January 1, and according to reports in Germany, Dortmund are eager to tie up a deal for the South Korean international.

However, such a move would only entitle the Black Cats to minimal compensation for a player who has scored eight goals in 26 caps for his country, meaning that a January transfer, even at a reduced rate, would likely be preferable.

Jurgen Klopp's side are in need of new blood in January, having won just once in their last five Bundesliga matches.

And with the future of Robert Lewandowski still very much up in the air they are very much in need of striking reinforcements

According to German newspaper Bild, Ji is keen on a return to Germany, having seen his opportunities limited on Wearside this season.

Having started the opening three matches of the season under former boss Paolo Di Canio, the forward hasn't made the matchday squad once under current boss Gus Poyet.

And Poyet has recently spoken about his inability to satisfy Ji's need for games, particularly with the striker set to lead the line for his country at next summer's World Cup.

“He’s a very good player, but I need to find the opportunities to say to him: ‘Here you go. Don’t try to think too much about how we’re playing, just go out there and play,’" the Uruguayan recently told the Sunderland Echo.

“But I don’t know how to play him because that’s what he needs.”