Sunderland are reportedly favourites to sign sought-after winger Adam Johnson from Manchester City.
The England international has been told he can leave Eastlands in order to find more regular first-team action.
Tottenham Hotspur and Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton are also thought to be interested in the 25-year-old, but Sunderland are in pole position, according to Sky Sports News.
While their Premier League rivals have yet to make formal bids, the Wearside club are believed to have tabled a £10m offer for Johnson.
City boss Roberto Mancini has lined up Scott Sinclair as a potential replacement, with the Swansea City winger nearing a move to the Etihad Stadium.