Sunderland and Nottingham Forest join race for Salzburg striker Karim Konaté

Sunderland and Nottingham Forest are reportedly monitoring Red Bull Salzburg striker Karim Konaté, with Borussia Dortmund also interested in the Ivory Coast international.

The 22-year-old has attracted attention following another productive start to the season in Austria, scoring six goals and providing one assist.

According to German newspaper Bild, all three clubs are tracking his progress, although no formal offers have been reported.

Konaté joined Salzburg from ASEC Mimosas in 2022 and initially developed on loan at FC Liefering before establishing himself in the Austrian club's first team.

He has since registered 47 goals and 13 assists in 99 appearances, underlining his potential as a goalscoring centre-forward.

His performances have reportedly caught the attention of Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris and Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner.

Konaté's contract runs until 2028, while Transfermarkt currently values him at approximately €12million.

Salzburg could seek a higher fee, particularly given his scoring record and the interest from several European leagues.

However, there is no confirmation that either Premier League club intends to submit a January bid.

Borussia Dortmund are also considering Konaté, but their current attacking options could complicate an immediate move.

Serhou Guirassy and Fábio Silva remained at Dortmund after potential summer departures failed to materialise.

Both strikers have subsequently scored four goals this season, reducing the urgency to recruit another forward.

That situation could give Sunderland and Nottingham Forest an opportunity to move ahead of the Bundesliga club during the winter transfer window.

Dortmund's interest may become more significant next summer if their attacking options change.

For Salzburg, Konaté's contract provides some protection against losing him cheaply, although a future sale could become more attractive if renewal discussions fail to progress.

Sunderland and Nottingham Forest must decide whether to turn their reported interest into a formal approach when the January transfer window opens. Salzburg are not under immediate pressure to sell, while Dortmund could reassess their position next summer.