Nazariy Rusyn is reportedly being targeted by a number of Ukrainian Premier League clubs ahead of a potential early exit from Sunderland.

25-year-old striker Nazariy Rusyn made the switch from his native Ukraine to Sunderland, agreeing a four-year contract with the Black Cats last summer.

But now, Ukrainian news outlet SportArena are claiming that he could be set to reverse that switch, and make an unexpected move back to his homeland during the summer window.

The striker has looked the most polished out of Sunderland’s limited striking options this season, but has not featured for the Black Cats since picking up a calf injury that has sidelined him from mid-March to the end of the season.

The report claims that newly promoted Ukrainian Premier League outfit Karpaty Lviv are one of the leading contenders showing an interest in Rusyn.

It also states that any deal involving the Sunderland striker this summer would be an initial loan move, with the obligation to buy the forward.

This report will likely come as a surprise to Black Cats supporters, as Rusyn’s contract with Sunderland means he’s contracted for another three seasons at the Stadium of Light.

It is at this stage unclear as to whether Rusyn would be interested in a return to Ukraine, or indeed any move away from Wearside this summer.

But it could be interpreted that due to the nature of him signing a long-term deal last summer, that he does indeed foresee his immediate future in the North East.