Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini looks to be on his way out of the club after his agent voiced the need for his client to "play consistently."
Bologna has been alerted to the potential availability of the former Juventus man and would prefer a loan deal, according to Chris Young of the Sunderland Echo.
Since signing for the Black Cats in a £6.5-million deal two years ago, Giaccherini has been hampered by injuries, especially last season when he managed just two starts.
The 30-year-old, who has 21 caps for Italy, is likely to need first team football if he can win back a spot with the Azzurri after nearly a year since his last call-up.
"He lost all of last year and now cannot afford to lose another chance. This is the year leading up to Euro 2016 and he really wants to be there," said his agent Furio Valcareggi.
Bologna could have a few rivals for his signature, though.
"Could he return to Italy? We’ll see, as anything could happen. He is certainly not lacking for offers," Valcareggi added.
Bologna was promoted to Serie A via the playoffs last season and begin its campaign away at Lazio on Saturday.
