In addition, they might have to fight off a series of suitors from Spain to get their man should manager Steve Bruce decide he is the one he wants.

Zokora is available after struggling to win a place in Harry Redknapp’s team since the January arrival of £12m signing Wilson Palacios from Wigan, and has been heavily linked with the Wearsiders in recent days.

His agent, Rachel Anderson, has contacted both Spurs and Sunderland to clarify the situation, but has hinted he might look favourably upon the prospect of a switch to the Stadium of Light.

She said: “Didier would like to stay in the Premier League and it would we quite a new challenge, coming straight from France to London then to go to the north-east.

“That would be a different challenge and with the passion you get around Sunderland, a great experience for any player.

“I would be surprised if he didn’t look on it favourably, but that rather depends on the clubs involved.”

However, Sunderland, nor anyone else for that matter, will get Zokora, who joined Spurs from St Etienne for £8.2m in July 2006, on the cheap.

Anderson said: “They paid £8million for him and he has improved since then, so they are certainly looking in double figures, that’s what I have been told by Spurs.

“They are looking for double figures and with the interest that’s around, they will probably get it.

“There are very few players who play in his position as well as he does.”

Sunderland have vowed not to be rushed into making signings this summer and to get value for money as owner Ellis Short prepares to pump up to £50m more into strengthening the squad.

But with definite interest from Spanish clubs – Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are understood to be among the chasing pack – in Zokora, they may have to make a move sooner rather than later.

Anderson said: “There has been serious interest – and I mean serious interest - in Spain.

“There are other English clubs who have mentioned they have an interest in him, but it hasn’t gone any further than that.”