Sunderland linked with shock move for Swansea forward

The Ghanaian international netted against Sunderland during the Black Cats' 4-2 win at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday night, despite the winger being used in a central striker role.

Ayew has enjoyed a productive first season at Swansea - netting seven goal in 20 Premier League starts after a Bosman move from Marseille.

But there have been reports that Sunderland have approached Swansea over signing Ayew, who still has another four-and-a-half years to run on his contract at south Wales.

It would be a big surprise if Swansea - who sold Jonjo Shelvey to Newcastle earlier this week - allowed Ayew to leave the club for a relegation rival, with the 26-year-old one of their key figures in the battle against the drop.

Ayew is also understood to be on a lucrative contract at the Liberty.