Sunderland have begun bidding on Ipswich's Connor Wickham with an offer of £8 million.
The 18-year-old striker is reportedly Steve Bruce's "number one summer target" but is also expected to receive attention from Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs.
Bidding on Wickham, who scored nine goals last season, could eventually reach as high as £12 million.
According to the Daily Mail, Wickham has told friends that he would prefer a switch to Liverpool.