He was on loan with the Whites for most of last season making 47 appearances, scoring 5 goals, but is now kicking his heels back at Blackburn.
The 24-year-old midfielder is top of Kevin Blackwell's list of targets and his signing could be supplemented by a long-term defensive loan signing.
He may face competition however from new Sunderland boss Roy Keane who, according to The Mirror, also fancies the Republic of Ireland star as well as former Leeds loanee Liam Miller, still out-of-favour at Manchester United and Portsmouth defender Andy O'Brien.
Blackwell is also in the market for a left-back and a goalkeeper.