Bayern Munich have announced that the representatives of reported Sunderland transfer target Jan Kirchhoff are in negotiations with an unnamed club.
Recent speculation claimed that Sam Allardyce had identified the 25-year-old as the ideal candidate to solve his defensive problems at the Stadium of Light.
While the centre-back's German employers opted not to reveal the identity of the interested party, they did confirm that he was not present at the club's winter training base in Doha.
"Not here is Jan Kirchhoff, who is with his advisors in negotiations on a possible move," read a statement on the club's official website.
Kirchhoff has made one appearance for the Bavarians this season.