Reports are emerging from Germany suggesting that Sunderland are on the verge of completing a £7 million deal for Colombian forward Adrian Ramos as Dick Advocaat looks to bolster his floundering squad before the transfer deadline.
However, reports in the UK are suggesting that the deal is not as close to completion as their German counterparts remark, and instead the talented forward is one of a number of names on Advocaat's list of potential strikers, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Advocaat, when asked about transfers at the weekend, said that the club will "see what happens in the next couple of days" and that they in fact "are not sure if something will happen." However, they are hopeful of recruiting "more players" before the deadline, the manager saying that targets are being shaped by the "ideas" the club have "about the way [they] want to play."
Ramos out-of-favour at Dortmund
The story originated from the German publication Bild, who claimed that Sunderland had already offered Ramos a lucrative three-year deal but were still in the midst of discussions with Borussia Dortmund regarding a transfer fee.
Ramos signed for the German giants only one year ago but disappointed in a campaign which proved difficult for the team as a whole. After only scoring three times in the Bundesliga last term, he now appears to be surplus to requirements for new coach Thomas Tuchel.
Still, the Colombian international enjoyed a prolific spell at Hertha BSC prior to his move to Dortmund, scoring 68 times in five years, whilst with over 30 caps for his country to his name, he is sure to bring with him a wealth of experience.
Advocaat still shaping squad
Were the Black Cats to complete a deal for Ramos, he would arrive at a time when the club are hoping to get rid of several players who are no longer part of Advocaat's plans. Will Buckley, Liam Bridcutt, Charis Mavrais and Valentine Roberge were all brought in from previous regimes and have failed to have an impact under the Dutchman's reign.
But the biggest casualty of the mass exodus looks to be Italian international Emanuele Giaccherini, who is on the verge of completing a loan move to Bologna, bringing an end to three disappointing years on Wearside.