Sunderland have stepped up their attempts to land £6million-rated Preston North End striker David Nugent.
The Black Cats this morning tabled an undisclosed cash offer for the 22-year-old after failing to make progress with an earlier cash-plus-player proposal.
Neither club were commenting on the matter amid reports that Nugent has told friends he has opted for a move to the Stadium of Light.
The frontman, currently on international duty with England Under-21s in Holland, is keen to resolve his future after North End's failure to secure promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last season made his departure almost inevitable.
Liverpool-born Nugent has been repeatedly linked with Everton, the club he supported as a boy, and a series of other potential suitors.
The Toffees are yet to make a move, and it remains to be seen whether Sunderland's bid will prove decisive, or serve to smoke out other would-be purchasers.
Black Cats boss Roy Keane has been coy over his transfer targets so far this summer - news of his move for Reading full-back Greg Halford earlier this week emerged only hours before it was completed - although he and chairman Niall Quinn have been working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Preston, who will have to pass on a significant proportion of any fee they receive for Nugent to his former club Bury under a sell-on clause negotiated as part of the deal which took him to Deepdale in January 2005, have been equally reticent, although chairman Derek Shaw had earlier played down the Sunderland link.
Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post before news of this morning's approach leaked out, he said: 'I think the Dave Nugent to Sunderland story has been put through the media a few times now.
'I am very sure that one of the Premier League clubs will come in for Dave this summer, and we all know it is right for him to make the move.
'But I would be very surprised if anything happened while the European Championships are going on.
'I am sure that Dave will want to be professional enough to play for England Under-21s without any disturbance and distractions.
'So as far as this latest speculation is concerned, it is only that - speculation.
'There's nothing new to report - when there is, we will let people know.'
