And the England Under 21 international now faces the biggest choice of his fledgling career - whether to move to the Stadium of Light or the KC Stadium.

The striker had planned to go on holiday after last night's European Under 21 Championship final and consider his future upon his return in July.

But Sunderland want to know quickly whether he's interested in moving to Wearside, or whether they should look to shelve their interest.

And a player who looked certain to be joining Hull City – the club he spent much of last season on loan to –must decide whether to stick with his original plans or switch his future to Sunderland.

A source close to the player has said that Campbell is "getting confused" by the ongoing speculation regarding his future.

Theat source also confirmed that Sunderland have made a move to hijack City's club record-breaking £6m swoop after sounding out Campbell's representatives.

The Manchester United striker returned to England this morning to mull over his future, and while money might play a big part in it, there's also the question of guaranteed first-team starts at Hull, whereas he is likely to face real competition at Sunderland.

The striker will have to balance up his desire for first-team starts with the reality that Sunderland are the likelier team to go places in the next few seasons.

Steve Bruce failed in a bid to land Campbell on-loan at Wigan last season, but has identified the 21-year-old as one of his primary targets to begin a new Stadium of Light era.

City had hoped their £1m-a-year contract offer was all-but a formality before the Black Cats came in with their late interest.

Now, Sunderland are keen to know if the Manchester United marksman - who has also attracted attention from Newcastle - would like to go to Wearside.

They have sounded out his father, Keith, about the terms he would consider and are preparing to match City's £6m bid if he indicates he would like to move north.

Blackburn have also made a tentative enquiry about the possibility of landing the Huddersfield-born frontman, but it is understood he is not keen on a switch to Lancashire.

The situation though should become much clearer by the end of the week.