Regis Le Bris has identified the Cameroon international as a strong fit for his forward line, and personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block, though Sunderland must still convince Levante to sell a player they only signed from Villarreal last summer.
Etta Eyong has a release clause of £26m, but the Black Cats are keen to negotiate that figure down and are weighing up whether an agreement below the clause is achievable.
Etta Eyong, 22, enhanced his reputation last season with seven La Liga goals, and his stock has continued to rise since his move to Levante. Although regarded as an out-and-out forward, he has often been deployed in a deeper role by his current club, playing more as a central midfielder than a conventional number nine.
That versatility is understood to be part of the appeal for suitors, with scouts believing he could prove even more effective if given license to play higher up the pitch on a regular basis.
The Cameroon international joined Levante for a modest fee reported at around €3m last September after leaving Villarreal, having previously impressed during a productive spell with the Yellow Submarine's B side.
His form since arriving in Valencia has transformed his valuation almost tenfold, with his release clause having climbed steadily as interest from bigger clubs intensified throughout the season.
Sunderland's interest comes amid growing competition for Etta Eyong's signature, with his rapid rise since joining Levante on a bargain fee having attracted admirers well beyond the Premier League.
Barcelona have previously held exploratory talks over a move, viewing him as a potential long-term option to eventually replace Robert Lewandowski, while other clubs across Europe have continued to track his progress throughout the year.
Any deal for Sunderland would represent a significant statement of intent in the closing days of the window, as Le Bris looks to add proven firepower to a squad still adjusting to life back in the Premier League.