Reported Sunderland transfer target Jason Pearce is said to have his heart set on a return to Portsmouth this summer.
According to Sky Sports, Sunderland are one of three League One clubs eyeing a move for the centre-half.
Pearce helped Charlton win promotion from League One at Sunderland's expense last season, coming off the bench during the Addicks' 2-1 play-off final win over the Black Cats.
He made 28 appearances in total last season but is yet to find out whether he has a future at the Valley following promotion.
Should Lee Bowyer deem him surplus to requirements, Sunderland, Oxford and Portsmouth are said to be waiting in the wings.
Sunderland are keen to sign an experienced defender this summer with the likes of Jack Baldwin, Glenn Loovens and Alim Ozturk all less than convincing when called upon at times this season.
Pearce would certainly fit the bill but the Portsmouth News are reporting he has his heart set on a return to Fratton Park.
The 31-year-old is a graduate of Portsmouth's academy and returned there in 2011. Although he failed to prevent Portsmouth from suffering relegation, he was voted the club's player of the season for the 2011/12 campaign.
He was sold to Leeds that summer to raise funds with the club in financial difficulty and it is now thought he would like to return.
Portsmouth would be keen on an initial season-long loan move before making the deal permanent when his current deal at Charlton expires next summer.
Pompey are also said to have entered the race for another Sunderland target in Ayr United forward Lawrence Shankland.
Shankland is available on a free transfer this summer and is a man in demand after scoring 34 goals in 41 games last season.
It is believed the 23-year-old has an offer from a 'sleeping giant' in England and Sunderland were said to be favourites to land him according to reports over the weekend.
