Spurs and Aston Villa have been watching the 20-year-old over recent weeks after his promotion into the Forest first-team.
The England Under-20 international central defender has made nine appearances for Forest this season.
If Sunderland made a move for Lascelles, he would not be an immediate option in the Premier League for Gus Poyet ... AND he could be beyond Poyet's budget.
Arsenal saw a £5million offer rejected for the then 17-year-old in 2011 when a number of the Premier League’s heavyweights, including Tottenham and Liverpool were keeping a close eye on him.
That £5m could be spent on a couple of experienced players needed for Premiership survival..