Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is moving for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.
The Daily Star says Bruce is closing in on £10m striker Chamakh after admitting defeat in his pursuit of Peter Crouch.
Sunderland are one of four English clubs to agree £40,000-a-week terms for the Morocco star, who is set to quit French champions Bordeaux to test himself in the Premier League.
Tottenham, Fulham and Blackburn have also agreed terms with Chamakh, who will decide within 48 hours.