Reports from China suggest the Black Cats striker, 29 is a target for Tianjin after Shanghai Shenhua dropped their interest.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is revamping his squad and has stepped up attempts to sign Man City striker John Guidetti, 21.
The Daily Star Sunday revealed two weeks ago that Sunderland had resurrected their interest in the Swedish star.
AZ Alkmaar’s ex-Hull loan striker Jozy Altidore, 23, is also on Di Canio’s radar.
Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet, 24, is expected to join Liverpool this week in a deal which could rise to £12million with add-ons.
Arsenal’s Vito Mannone, 25, is a possible replacement for Mignolet, though Di Canio will give Keiren Westwood, 28, a chance.