Sunderland are reported to be nearing a deal to sign Napoli defender Andrea Dossena.
The 31-year-old was expected to join Torino this summer before failing a medical due to a muscle problem.
However, the full-back is likely to arrive at the Stadium of Light to push through a move before the transfer deadline, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Dossena has previous experience in the Premier League following a two-year spell with Liverpool before leaving for Napoli in 2010.