Sunderland have reportedly made an enquiry for Anderlecht centre-back Kara Mbodji as David Moyes looks to make his first signing as Black Cats boss.
The 26-year-old Senegalese international is valued at £8m and is viewed by Moyes as an ideal replacement for Lamine Kone, who is expected to move to Everton for £18m just seven months after he joined the North-East side in a £5m deal.
Mbodji was close to joining West Ham United last summer but was denied a work permit as he had insufficient caps for his national side.
Following a string of appearances in qualifiers for the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, however, Mbodji is now past the required threshold and is able to sign for a Premier League side.
Sunderland are the only Premier League side not to sign a player so far this summer, with just 11 days remaining until the start of the new season.