Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland are all reportedly eager to sign Manchester City winger Adam Johnson before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The 25-year-old is believed to be keen on leaving the Etihad Stadium, having made just 10 Premier League starts last season.
That news has alerted Sunderland, who are said to have submitted an offer in the region of £10m for the winger.
However, the Black Cats will face competition for his signature from rivals Spurs and Liverpool, according to BBC Sport.
City are said to be open to the possibility of parting with Johnson, who joined the club from Middlesbrough in January 2010.