Former Leeds United midfielder Glen Kamara has emerged as a transfer target for promotion rivals Sunderland. French outlet Jeunes Footeux says the Black Cats are interested in signing Kamara on loan in the January transfer window.

Kamara departed the Whites last summer, having made over 40 appearances for the West Yorkshire club in their promotion push. He was snapped up by Stade Rennais in a deal in excess of £8m. His final United outing came in their play-off final defeat to Southampton.

“It was bitter-sweet leaving Leeds," admitted Kamara. "We were very close to going up. We probably should have gone up automatically. It was a tough one to take, losing in the play-off final.

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“I was only there for a year, so moving so soon was a bit of a weird one, but things just happen quickly in football and you have to be ready.”

However, the Finland international faces an uncertain future at Ligue 1 side. Kamara has not started for Rennes since the end of November, featuring twice as a substitute in their past four matches.

The Jeunes Footeux report states Sunderland have ‘checked’ on Kamara's potential availability as they consider signing a new defensive midfielder in the New Year. The Black Cats are firmly in the mix for automatic promotion going into the second half of the season. They currently sit in fourth position.

United have already played Sunderland once this season. The two teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light back in October.