Sunderland make approach for Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa

Sunderland have stepped up their long-standing interest in Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa after making contact over a potential summer transfer.

The Black Cats have tracked the Algeria international for several months and have now made an initial approach, although Feyenoord are still waiting for a formal offer before entering serious negotiations.

With interest also coming from Como and Paris FC, Sunderland could soon face competition for one of the Eredivisie's standout attackers.

According to reports in the Netherlands, Sunderland have recently made enquiries about Hadj Moussa after previously emerging as one of the clubs most interested in the winger earlier this year.

It remains unclear whether the contact was made directly with Feyenoord, the player's representatives or both, but Sunderland are once again firmly in the race for the 24-year-old.

Hadj Moussa's future has been the subject of growing speculation, with his agent recently confirming that the winger is expected to leave Feyenoord this summer.

Despite increasing interest, no club has yet submitted an official offer.

Feyenoord have already rejected a proposal from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli and are understood to value Hadj Moussa at around €37 million.

The Dutch club are open to a sale but will only begin negotiations once a concrete bid arrives.

For now, Sunderland, Como and Paris FC remain interested observers while Feyenoord wait to see which club is prepared to meet their valuation.

Hadj Moussa enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, contributing 14 goals and seven assists while operating almost exclusively from the right wing.

His productivity would undoubtedly strengthen Sunderland's attack, but the transfer also raises questions.

Régis Le Bris already has Chemsdine Talbi and Jocelin Ta Bi available in the same position, although Ta Bi's first six months at the club were disrupted by injury.

If Sunderland decide to loan out Ta Bi this summer, a move for Hadj Moussa becomes easier to justify. Otherwise, investing heavily in another right winger may not be the club's biggest priority.

Sunderland must now decide whether to turn their interest into a formal bid. Feyenoord are prepared to negotiate but will only do so once an offer is received, while competition from other European clubs means the Black Cats may need to move quickly if they want to secure one of their priority attacking targets.

Would Anis Hadj Moussa be worth Sunderland's reported €37 million investment, or should the Black Cats strengthen other areas of the squad first?