Tottenham transfer news: Sunderland want England winger Andros Townsend

Dick Advocaat seeking to strengthen the Black Cats

Andros Townsend celebrates his equaliser against Italy (PA)

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat is interested in Tottenham and England winger Andros Townsend, according to reports.

The Newcastle Chronicle state that the Dutch coach is interested in Townsend, who is also believed to be a target of Aston Villa, Swansea City and local rivals Newcastle United.

The 23-year-old may be a favourite of England boss Roy Hodgson, but he struggled to find regular game time under Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino last season, starting just 10 Premier League games.

In all competitions he ended up with five goals and six assists in 36 matches (24 of those starts).

Sunderland have a problem on the left side where Ricky Alverez, Will Buckley, Connor Wickham and Jermain Defoe all played on occasion.

Dick Advocaat wants six new signings (AP)

Advocaat has previously stated that Sunderland need half a dozen new players to avoid the kind of relegation battle they were involved in last season.