Bolton Wanderers are moving for Porto defender Bruno Alves.
The Daily Mail says Trotters boss Gary Megson sent scouts to watch Portugal's Alves, 26, at the weekend. He is desperate to bring in new defenders as he loses Abdoulaye Meite for the African Nations Cup next month.
Megson said: "We've got issues at the back that are killing us."
Megson could face competition from Newcastle.