Sunderland hope to sign central defender Joel Lynch next week on a free transfer.
As first revealed by The Sun's Alan Nixon, the 31-year-old should arrive at the Stadium of Light early next week after the club made space in Jack Ross' squad by coming to terms with Glenn Loovens over his release.
Lynch himself is a free agent after been released by QPR this summer and spent some time on trial with newly-promoted Premier League side Sheffield United, with no deal ultimately materialising.
Lynch has extensive EFL experience, spending the majority of his career in the Championship where he has represented Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield, as well as QPR. Crucially, he also had three seasons in League One with Brighton where his form resulted in many Premier League clubs watching him.
His form at Forest in the 2011-12 campaign also earned him a call-up to the Wales squad, who he qualifies for through his father, despite been born in England.
Ross said ahead of Saturday's clash with AFC Wimbledon that he's hoping for two new signings before the transfer window shuts at 5pm on Monday, September 2.
Lynch's arrival would be as a replacement for Loovens who left the club on Thursday, while a new left-back, most likely a loan, is also expected next week.
Elsewhere, Adam Matthews is on trial with Charlton as he looks to earn a deal with the Championship side. The Wales right-back was released by Sunderland this summer but is yet to find a new club.
