SAM ALLARDYCE has been told former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is not keen on a move to Sunderland this summer.

The Black Cats have made their interest known in the 30-year-old striker at some level as Allardyce looks to strengthen his attacking ranks before the start of the new season.

But Dzeko, who endured a frustrating first season in Italy, is cool on making a switch to the Stadium of Light at this stage, while Sunderland would have to meet his £130,000-a-week wage demands.

The Bosnian forward could be sold by Roma this summer if an offer in excess of £11m is lodged and that has alerted a number of clubs, even if the player’s pay packet has put many off.

Allardyce believes Dzeko would be a perfect foil for Jermain Defoe and would provide a completely different option should he decide to play with one up front.

The Sunderland manager has hoped to persuade West Ham to part with Diafra Sakho, but the two clubs remain apart on a fee for a forward rated in the £15m bracket by Slaven Bilic.

Allardyce is considering a number of attacking players, with Swansea pair Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Ayew also known to be under consideration if the deal is right.

But Dzeko’s quality and international reputation would be a huge coup for Sunderland, although he has outlined a wish to prove himself in Serie A after scoring ten goals in 39 appearances for Roma.

The Rome club’s manager Luciano Spalletti has already had discussions with Dzeko over his future, and there is a feeling that he would only move on if one of Europe’s biggest clubs came calling.

Allardyce is looking to replace both Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham in his squad after the pair were not offered new contracts on Wearside.

It has emerged that Fletcher has a number of clubs keen on him, with sources close to Sheffield Wednesday suggesting they have put attempts to sign him on hold because of reputed £40,000-a-week demands.