Sunderland have opened discussions with Aston Villa to sign striker Ross McCormack on a season-long loan.

The 30-year-old will be allowed to leave Villa Park after manager Steve Bruce left him out of their pre-season trip to Germany.

McCormack joined for £12m from Fulham last summer but had a difficult season falling out with Bruce and ending the season by having cysts removed from his jaw.

Sunderland are targeting Ross McCormack as they look to replace Jermain Defoe

30-year-old McCormack was left out of Aston Villa's pre-season tour of Germany

Sunderland want a prolific forward after losing Jermain Defoe last season and though McCormack failed last campaign they hope a change of surroundings can rekindle his usually prolific form.

Villa, meanwhile, are the latest club to ask to take Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo on loan.

Middlesbrough, Fulham, Derby and Newcastle have all enquired about the 20-year-old.