Nicolas Lombaerts has emerged as Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat's number one transfer priority, with reports suggesting a £5million move could be completed by the end of the week.

Lombaerts is currently on the books at Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he has been since Advocaat signed him back in 2007.

The Belgian centre-back has also worked with Advocaat during the Dutchman's tenure as head coach of the Belgian national team.

Reports in Russia are suggesting a £5m fee has been agreed between the two clubs.

Lombaerts would complete a hat-trick of defensive additions for Sunderland after the signings of Sebastian Coates and Adam Matthews earlier this month.