Sunderland would close the signature of Atletico Madrid star Reinildo Isnard Mandava.
The left, generally known as Reinildo, is also linked to interest from Leeds and Crystal Palace this summer.
According to The Sun, discussions have taken place with Palace, but the 31-year-old is now in advanced conversations with Sunderland and an agreement on a two-year contract is probably imminent.
Reinildo spent three and a half seasons with Atleti, after he had arrived at the Madrid -Outfit from Lille in January 2022.
He has made 103 performances under Diego Simeone, but his contract will expire next week.
That should enable Sunderland to sign him on a free transfer.
Reinildo seems to be Sunderland's second major signing since their victory in the play-off final of last season's championship.
The French midfielder Enzo Le Fee, who had been on loan last season in the stadium of Licht, permanently moved from Roma for compensation in the £ 19 million region after the promotion of Sunderland had caused an automatic purchase clause.
In the meantime, Jowe Bellingham and Tom Watson have both left Sunderland since the end of last season.
Reinildo played for Atletico during the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the US.
Atletico went no further than the group stage despite winning two of their three games, after a 4-0 Thrashing through the hands of Paris Saint-Germain damaged their target difference.
Reinildo was previously part of the Lille team that PSG spent in 2021 on the Ligue 1 title.
He has also been closed 49 times by Mozambique since he made his senior international debut in 2013.