Sky Sports sources understand Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Wigan defender Titus Bramble.
Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has moved to raid his old club for Bramble as he looks to bolster his defensive options.
Sunderland have been linked with a host of defenders, including Schalke's Heiko Westermann, West Ham's Matthew Upson and Sol Campbell, but Bruce has now turned his attentions to Bramble.
Bruce rates Bramble highly having worked with him at the DW Stadium and the former Newcastle man holds Bruce in high stead for helping to rebuild his career after a disappointing spell on Tyneside.
Wigan are believed to be ready to cash in on Bramble with the 28-year-old having just a year to run on his current contract and any new funds would allow Roberto Martinez to strengthen his squad elsewhere.
Bramble is believed to have travelled to Wearside on Tuesday to hold talks with Sunderland after they agreed a fee with Wigan
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