Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard is closing in on a move to Sunderland.
Ballard had been close to joining Burnley last week, but a move broke down at the 11th hour.
The centre-back has not been short of offers since then, though, and Sunderland are now in pole position to sign him.
The Black Cats are in advanced talks with Ballard and Arsenal, and they are optimistic they can wrap up a deal.
Sunderland gained promotion back to the Championship last season by beating Wycombe in the League One play-off final.
The club are determined to bolster their ranks this summer and Ballard has been identified as an ideal target for defence.
Ballard has plenty of experience in the Championship, having excelled on loan at Millwall last season.
Arsenal have agreed to let him leave permanently this summer and the 22-year-old has been assessing his options over the past month.
