Sunderland could lose top goalscorer Lewis Grabban in January, and that would be a major blow for new boss Chris Coleman.
The Bournemouth striker joined on a season-long loan in July and has since scored 10 goals.
However, Sportsmail understands there is a recall clause as part of the deal and, were there to be interest in Grabban in the new year, Bournemouth could well decide to cash in.
The chances of that happening are increased by the loan arrangement which sees the Cherries pay a percentage of his wage at the Stadium of Light.