Sunderland are not interested in signing Aston Villa's Emile Heskey but are thought to be keen on Man United's Danny Welbeck on loan.
Reports had suggested Black Cats boss Steve Bruce was planning a bid for Heskey, who he worked with at both Birmingham and Wigan.
However, sources close to Sunderland now say Heskey is not a target of Bruce and he will be staying at Villa Park, unless the midlanders receive an offer they deem too good to turn down.
Heskey, now 32, had been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light last season but Bruce will not be making enquiries for the former England striker ahead of the new season.
He is, though, said to be keen on landing United youngster Welbeck on a season-long loan deal and Sir Alex Ferguson may be willing to let him leave in order to gain some regular first-team experience this season.
Bruce wants another striker to complement the players he already relies on for for goals with Welbeck viewed as ideal back-up to Darren Bent, Kenwyne Jones, Fraizer Campbell and Martyn Waghorn.