Djibril Cisse has suggested that he would be open to the prospect of a return to Sunderland next season, should the opportunity arise.

The former France international spent the 2008/09 season on loan with the Black Cats from Marseille, and scored ten goals in 35 league games, as Sunderland finished 16th in the Premier League table.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Cisse had returned to playing after an absence of almost three years, signing for American fourth-tier side Panathinaikos Chicago.

However, it seems Cisse is unwilling to rule out a return to the Stadium of Light at some point in the near future either.

Taking part in a social media exchange with a group of Sunderland fans, Cisse confirmed that he believes he is capable of competing for another year, and that if the Black Cats want him, then he "will be there".

Sunderland will once again be targeting promotion back to the Championship next season, following defeat in the League One play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have so far made three signings during the current transfer window. Midfielders Corry Evans and Alex Pritchard have signed permanently after being released from Blackburn and Huddersfield respectively, while defender Callum Doyle has joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The Verdict

This would be quite something if Cisse was to make a return to Sunderland.

It has obviously been a long time since Cisse has played at a professional level, so despite his confidence, there is no guarantee he would be able to get back up to the pace required for a League One promotion push.

Indeed, at his age most players in his position would be thinking about retirement and considering he has had to come through some serious injuries in the past, you do wonder whether this would be a sensible move where he to make it, given he may be playing to the crowd slightly here.

If however, he can rediscover the form he showed at his peak, there is no doubt that Cisse would still be a useful asset for Sunderland next season, although that does feel like a rather big 'if'.