Sunderland are reportedly close to signing Swiss youth international Adilson Cabral on a free transfer as Paolo Di Canio begins to rebuild on Wearside.

Cabral is out of contract with Swiss champions FC Basel next month and has agreed a four-year contract to join Di Canio's side ahead of next season, according to the Sunderland Echo.

The 24-year-old is an energetic midfielder that has played for Switzerland at every youth level, but remains eligible to represent the country of his birth Cape Verde.

Blackburn Rovers were previously linked with Cabral but appear to have lost out to the Black Cats, who have won the race for his signature on a long-term deal.

Cabral is the cousin of former Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes, who has been a permanent fixture of the Swiss national side throughout his career.