Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul is having a medical on Wearside as Sunderland attempt to clinch a second major signing inside 24 hours.
It is understood the £5million-rated Frenchman was undergoing tests on Thursday afternoon with a view to completing a move.
Kaboul rejected the chance to join the Black Cats seven years ago when the club, then managed by Roy Keane, made a joint £23million offer for he, Pascal Chimbonda, Teemu Tainio and Steed Malbranque.
Should the deal go through, 29-year-old Kaboul would become head coach Dick Advocaat's fourth summer signing after fellow defenders Sebastian Coates and Adam Matthews and midfielder Jeremain Lens.