Everton ace Aiden McGeady is wanted by Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Preston North End, according to a Liverpool Echo report.
The newspaper claims Boro are currently in pole position to sign the 31-year-old wide-attacker, but Preston are also in the running to re-sign the player who spent last season on loan at the club.
Meanwhile, it is said that former North End boss and new Sunderland manager Simon Grayson wants to bring McGeady to the north east.
However, the report states that the Irish international is keen on a permanent return to Deepdale.
McGeady was one of Preston’s top performers last term, scoring eight goals in 34 Championship appearances, as well as providing nine assists.
He joined Everton from Spartak Moscow in January 2014 for £1.7million, but he has failed to impress and over the course of his four years on Merseyside he has featured in only 43 league and cup games.
The Irishman is comfortable playing on either wing, and he is also able to perform competently as an attacking midfielder.
The 31-year-old is renowned for his dribbling ability and his skill in one-on-one situations, including his penchant for stepovers.
McGeady has been capped by the Republic of Ireland on 89 occasions, and he featured as a substitute in the 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Austria last month.