Sunderland have been linked with a surprise January bid for Everton defender Sylvain Distin.
The Frenchman will be a free agent at the end of the season and he has yet to agree a new contract at Goodison Park.
Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill could now try to lure the 35-year-old to the Stadium of Light with a long-term deal, according to The Mirror.
Distin signed a one-year contract extension with the Toffees in May.