Matej Vydra: Scored 22 goals for Watford last season

The Black Cats are reportedly one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing the 21-year-old, who scored 22 goals while on loan with Championship side Watford last season.

Vydra's Italian club are believed to want £8m for the Czech international and his agent told The Journal that the idea of working under Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio appeals to his client.

"It is correct that Sunderland are interested, but they are interested in a loan at the moment. They don't want to spend that money at the moment," said Ondrej Chovanec.

"Of course it is very interesting. I know Di Canio from when he was a player because I was the agent of Tomas Repka, who also played for West Ham.

"I also had a Czech Republic international, Lukas Magera, who went to Swindon.

"I think he builds a new team and he wants to get players who want to work hard and who are quick. He plays interesting football and he wants a squad that is capable of challenging for him next season.

"So it is an interesting club - but then Sunderland is always an interesting club in England.

"To work with Paolo Di Canio would be a good thing. I think he will probably end up coaching with one of the very top teams in England.

"The final decision is with Udinese Calcio and the owner Giampaolo Pozzo and there are a lot of clubs interested in this player.

"Matej is a quality player and a top player for them, so they will be looking for the best deal available. He can play in a top level and I think that is what he will be doing next season."