Wahbi Khazri is in France for talks with Rennes over the possibility of a season-long loan from Sunderland.The Tunisian international signed from Bordeaux 18 months ago for £9m but has made it clear he doesn't want to play in the Championship.
Sunderland would have preferred to sell the winger permanently but only loan offers have arrived.
Still, Simon Grayson is hoping as a result funds can be freed up to allow him to manoeuvre in the market.