Sunderland have confirmed that no firm bid has yet been received for England international Kevin Phillips, but several clubs have already been in touch and it seems only a matter of time before one makes a move.
Sunderland were giving little away today, but a spokesman told a Sunderland local paper: "There have been early discussions and these are ongoing."
Phillips has been linked with a series of clubs ever since he burst into the top flight with a 30-goal return in 1999-2000.
Tottenham have been long-time admirers of the former Watford striker, who announced he would be leaving earlier this month, while David O'Leary, now in charge at Aston Villa, has also followed his progress.
Derby rivals Middlesbrough have emerged in recent weeks as one of the clubs monitoring Phillips and reports in the north east today suggest they are ready to make a stg£3million bid, while Division One champions Portsmouth and Blackburn are also said to be keen.
North of the border, Celtic and Rangers too have been keeping an eye on his situation, although the fact Phillips has hinted he is keen to stay in the north east, where he recently moved his family into a new home, could prove key.
Cash-strapped Sunderland value their prize asset at around stg£4million, perhaps a third of what they might have got at his peak.
However, while the Black Cats, who have debts of stg£26.6million, will understandably want to rake in as much cash as they can, the longer they wait for their asking price, the longer manager Mick McCarthy will have to delay his own spending plans.
Phillips is one of a series of players up for grabs this summer as the Wearsiders attempt to rebuild for Division One, with goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and full-back Michael Gray also attracting attention.
McCarthy has already told several members of his squad they are surplus to requirements, with Phil Babb, Emerson Thome, Thomas Myhre and Joachim Bjorklund all allowed to leave on free transfers.
In addition, Moroccan defender Talal El Karkouri, who played nine games on loan from Paris St Germain last season, will not be handed a permanent deal.
The 26-year-old had spoken of his desire to stay with the club even if they were relegated, but after he missed the last four games of a disastrous campaign through injury, McCarthy has decided to look elsewhere.