Championship promotion hopefuls West Ham United and Burnley are both reportedly set to make loan moves for highly-rated Sunderland attacker Jocelin Ta Bi.
The 21-year-old Ivorian signed for the Premier League side in January after catching the eye during a successful spell in the Israeli top-flight with Hapoel Petah Tikva.
The pacy winger made just two appearances for the Black Cats as he acclimatised to life in the North East, with the next stage of his development now likely to lead to a temporary move to the second-tier.
Premier League newbies Hull City have been credited with showing interest in his services, along with both West Ham and Burnley, with the player's short-term future expected to be resolved by the end of the month.
Posting on X on Thursday morning, respected French football journalist Sebastien Denis wrote: "Ligue 1 sides Nice, Le Havre, and Lorient have sounded out Sunderland for a loan of the promising Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi.
"West Ham, Burnley, and Hull City are also in the race.
"The Black Cats are closing the door for now, but the situation could evolve by September 1st."
Ta Bi rose to prominence in Israel after starring for Petah Tikva, for whom he scored seven goals and registered five assists across his 40 appearances.
News of the Hammers and Clarets interest comes as the two Championship clubs ramp up their summer recruitment drives with the window set to slam shut in less than two weeks time.
West Ham have recently sealed big money deals for Celtic's attacking midfielder Arne Engels, Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon and Leeds United striker Joel Piroe, whilst Burnley boss Nicky Hayen has captured midfielders Florentino and Ugo Raghouber as well as wideman Lluc Castell.
Now the pair appear to have gone head-to-head in the battle to prize highly-rated Ta Bi to the Championship for the 2026/27 campaign.
