Sunderland are in talks with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon for a deal for out of favour defender Sebastian Coates, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Down the pecking order
The former Liverpool man was brought in last summer for around £2 million after impressing by playing a key role during his loan stint at the Stadium of Light at the end of the 2014/15 season.
However, he has failed to replicate the form that earned him so many plaudits and, in doing so, has failed to start a league game in 2016 with veteran defender Wes Brown moving above him in the pecking order.
This has led many to believe that the Black Cats have been open to letting the Uruguayan go, just six months after he signed a permanent contract.
The potential deal with Lisbon has been reported as a loan until the end of campaign, with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
Interest revived
If the proposed deal to the Estadio Jose Alvalade does go through, it could see Sam Allardyce revive his interest in Lorient centre-back Lamine Kone.
A deal for the defender has been on-off for the last few weeks, with two proposed moves already falling through and with Allardyce confirming at the beginning of the week that the club's interest was over.
However, reports in France suggest that the deal is back on now, which was confirmed by Lorient vice-president Alex Hayes.
Hayes said that the Black Cats had "returned" with an offer they "could not refuse". He added that the ball was in the "camp of Lamine Kone" who must "make a decision" in the "coming hours".
Cut the dead weight
The Wearsiders have been busy in the transfer market, with Jan Kirchoff, Dame N'Doye and Steve Harper all coming in so far.
However, Allardyce has been told to balance the books if he is to make any new signings in order for the club to abide by the Financial Fair Play regulations.
The manager has managed to cut some weight from the wage bill with Liam Briductt, Will Buckley and Danny Graham all leaving on loan to Leeds United, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers respectively.
Costel Pantilimon remains the only permanent transfer though, with the goalkeeper joining fellow Premier League side Watford.