Real Madrid are planning a shock swoop for Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan in a bid to add more depth to the team.

According to the Sun, Real boss Jose Mourinho wants the 25-year-old striker to replace Gonzalo Higuain who faces a lengthy lay-off with a hernia problem.

After an impressive World Cup with Ghana, Gyan made a £13million move from Rennes to join Steve Bruce with the Black Cats in the summer. Since then Gyan has repaid the club record fee with six goals and some eye-catching performances against quality opposition such as Chelsea.

Gyan is also in the running to becoming African Player of the Year ahead of the Blues' Didier Drogba.

Madrid are still reeling from their 5-0 hammering to rivals Barcelona nearly two weeks ago with Mourinho eager to address his side's failings in the January transfer window.

However, Sunderland are unlikely to want to sell the Ghana striker so soon after his arrival, and given the fact that fellow first team striker Danny Wellbeck is on loan from Manchester United.