Sunderland manager Gus Poyet reportedly sent a scout to watch Hearts defender Jordan McGhee in action at the weekend.
The centre-back, who has risen through the ranks at the Tynecastle Stadium, was a part of the Hearts side that overcame Alloa 1-0.
A Black Cats scout was in attendance and produced a positive report on the 18-year-old's performance, according to the Sunderland Journal.
It is believed that Sunderland may make a January move for the Scotland Under-21 international.