Sunderland are hoping to clinch the signing of 27-year-old Netherlands international centre back Terence Kongolo from Championship leaders Fulham.
The 27-year-old initially signed for Fulham on loan from Huddersfield Town during the January 2020 transfer window, before completing a permanent move to Craven Cottage for a fee rising to £7m the following October.
However he has found chances at Fulham hard to come by, and he is expected to join Sunderland on a permanent deal.
With Oliver Younger joining Doncaster Rovers and Arbenit Xhemajli still recovering from his long-term injury and in need of a loan spell, Kongolo will add much-needed strength-in-depth to Sunderland’s back line.