Sunderland are allegedly planning to launch a bid to re-sign versatile defender Kieran Richardson from Aston Villa.
The Black Cats are hoping to land the experienced left-back for £2m, according to The Mirror.
The 30-year-old spent five years at the Stadium of Light before leaving to join Fulham in 2012.
Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is said to be keen to bolster his leaky defence, having watched his side concede seven goals in their first two league matches this season.
Richardson, who has fallen behind Jordan Amavi in the Villa pecking order, has one year remaining on his current contract.