Sunderland are showing interest in Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack.

The 30-year-old has been given a fresh start under Steve Bruce after the two fell out last season and McCormack needed surgery to remove cysts from his mouth.

The Scotland international was only signed last summer for £12million and has yet to show Villa the prolific form that has seen him grab 119 Championship goals.

Sunderland boss Simon Grayson is interested in signing Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack

However, he is back in Bruce's plans as he prepares for a pivotal season in the second tier.

McCormack played the full 90 minutes for Villa in their 3-0 midweek friendly victory over Kidderminster Harriers but was not on the scoresheet.

Sunderland have signed James Vaughan and Aiden McGeady but are keen to add more of a goal threat after losing Jermain Defoe and Fabio Borini.

Simon Grayson has also asked to take Max Gradel on loan from Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Real Betis have expressed interest Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Veretout. The Spanish side are also keen on Stoke City's Bojan Krkic.