Manchester City striker John Guidetti has emerged as a target for Sunderland as they look to add some firepower to their squad. 

The Black Cats have been monitoring the Swedish international for two years after attempting to try and secure his services on a loan basis in 2011.

However, Feyenoord were successful in their bid to take the 21-year-old on loan and he showed his ability in the Eredivisie, scoring 20 goals in 23 appearances.

But with Guidetti being represented by Roberto De Fanti, a long-time associate of Ellis Short, rumours of a possible move have never been too far away,

De Fanti has now moved on to become Sunderland’s director of football, but interest in Guidetti remains.

And the Sunderland Echo understands that tentative talks have been opened about the prospect of the 21-year-old moving to the Stadium of Light.

Guidetti has endured a torrid campaign which saw him fail to make a single appearance due to a mystery illness that kept him sidelined for the entirety of the 2012-13 season.

The striker may be handed a lifeline at the Eithad Stadium next term after Roberto Mancini was relieved of his duties at the club in the closing stages of last season and Manuel Pellegrini has now been announced as the new man in charge.

Sunderland are poised make an approach if the Chilean decides, like his predecessor, that the youngster is surplus to requirements.