Sunderland have reportedly made a loan offer for Bordeaux full-back Diego Contento, potentially opening the door for Patrick van Aanholt to complete his permanent switch to Crystal Palace.
The Blacks Cats are expected to lose the Dutchman this month and are hoping to use the anticipated £12m windfall to bring in new recruits.
Swansea City defender Neil Taylor is said to be among the candidates to replace Van Aanholt at the Stadium of Light, but Sky Sports News reports that Bordeaux's Contento has now been made the subject of an initial loan approach.
Former Germany Under-20s international Contento made 49 appearances for Bayern Munich prior to joining the French club in 2014, where he has since featured 62 times across three seasons.