Sunderland want to sign Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea after making contact with the Premier League club, The Sunderland Echo is reporting.

Chris Coleman is desperate to bolster his squad this January to lift the club away from the bottom of the Championship table and Ethan Ampadu has emerged as one of his top targets.

Sunderland have made contact with Chelsea and could potentially swoop for more than one of their youngsters on loan.

Ampadu is the key target for Sunderland as Coleman looks for players to improve the club's midfield.

The 17-year-old centre half is also equally capable of playing as a centre back and that is another position which Coleman wants to improve in January - especially if Lamine Kone departs during this winter window.

Coleman knows Ampadu well after handing him his debut for the Wales senior team back in November, despite his young age.

Ampadu joined Chelsea from Exeter City in the summer for a compensation fee after making 13 competitive appearances for the League Two outfit's senior side.

He has played four games for Chelsea this season, including two in the Premier League.

Another target for Coleman is thought to be Liverpool winger Ben Woodburn - another very young Welsh player who Coleman placed his trust in by introducing them to the senior international stage.

The Verdict

Ethan Ampadu is a highly talented young footballer and one that Coleman knows well.

Sunderland should look to take advantage of Coleman's inside knowledge of his Welsh players and try to bring in the best he possibly can.

Ampadu would add versatility and strength in depth to the centre back and defensive midfield regions.

Sunderland fans - Would you like to sign Ampadu? Let us know below...