It is understood the Black Cats have made an enquiry about the 27-year-old Steaua Bucharest player and have been quoted a price of around £3.85million.

Goain is being considered as the chances of Jonny Evans returning to the Stadium of Light from Manchester United for a third spell receding all the time.

The central defender, who figured for his country at the Euro 2008 finals, has been linked with a series of other Barclays Premier League clubs this summer.

Manager Roy Keane and his players returned for pre-season training today with no new faces added to last season's squad, but with several targets in the Irishman's sights.

However, George McCartney's insistence that he is happy at West Ham means he is unlikely to return to Wearside in the near future unless either he or his current employers have a major change of heart.

Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Arnau is heading back to Falkirk after ending prematurely his trial at Coca-Cola Championship Blackpool.

The 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan with the Bairns, hopes to secure a return with his Sunderland contract having entered its final year.