"That would be a different challenge and with the passion you get around Sunderland, a great experience for any player. I would be surprised if he didn't look on it favourably, but that rather depends on the clubs involved."

However, neither Sunderland, nor anyone else for that matter, will get Zokora, who joined Spurs from St Etienne for £8.2m in July 2006, cheaply.

Anderson said: "They paid £8m for him and he has improved since then, so they are certainly looking in double figures – that's what I have been told by Spurs."

Sunderland have promised not to be rushed into making signings this summer and to get value for money as their owner Ellis Short prepares to invest up to £50m more into strengthening the squad.

But with definite interest from Spanish clubs – Sevilla and Atlético Madrid are understood to be among the chasing pack – in Zokora, they may have to make a move sooner rather than later.

Anderson said: "There has been serious interest – and I mean serious interest – in Spain. There are other English clubs who have mentioned they have an interest in him, but it hasn't gone any further than that."