Sunderland are reported to be ahead of Sheffield Wednesday in the race to sign central-defender Danny Batth.
The 31-year-old is currently at Stoke City, who are eighth in the Championship. After being on the bench for much of the start of the season, Batth was in the starting line-up throughout November and December.
However, over the past week Stoke have recruited Phil Jagielka from Derby County and Taylor Harwood-Bellis on loan from Manchester City.