The Japanese midfielder is set to leave AC Milan in the winter.

There has been plenty of news in Sunderland over the past few months regarding Nissan, but what about bringing Honda to Wearside in January?

Reports in Italy are suggesting that Sunderland remain in the race to sign AC Milan’s Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda to the club in the New Year, as his career at the San Siro looks likely to end.

Japan’s Keisuke Honda celebrates after scoring the third goal for Japan against Syria

TuttoMercatoWeb is reporting that the North-East side are one of three teams hoping to sign up the player in January – as Milan prepare to let him go for a small fee.

However, the two clubs they are competing with are MLS outfits LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders who are likely to be able to offer Honda a more lucrative financial package in the winter considering what would certainly be a marquee status for the 30-year-old Japanese star.

Picture Supplied by Action Images

Sunderland are looking for new recruits to help them in their hunt for Premier League survival and Honda would undoubtedly be an impressive and eye-catching option from the club.

However, beating off competition from the US will be no easy feat for the Black Cats.

In other news, Report: Aston Villa set to beat Leeds & Moyes to exciting transfer of versatile ace