Black Cats boss Peter Reid is keen to replace Don Hutchison following his return to West Ham United, but he faces a tough task in prizing Barmby away from Anfield.
The former Spurs ace, who spent a season at Sunderland's North East rivals Middlesbrough, is yet to start a league match for Gerard Houllier's side this season after starting the Charity Shield clash with Manchester United.
However, he is an integral part of Houllier's squad despite being axed for the European Super Cup clash with Bayern Munich and again being overlooked for the Reds' 2-1 Premiership loss at Bolton Wanderers.
Reports suggest Reid is lining up a £6 million swoop for Barmby, who is currently with England preparing for Saturday's crunch World Cup qualifier with Germany.
