Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill may promote from within to replace Michael Turner.
Turner is being sold to Norwich City.
O'Neill is understood to want to take a closer look at youngster Louis Laing and Ireland Under-21 defender Jon Egan, says The Journal.
"I've always been under the belief that if you're good enough, you'll eventually come through if you've got the willpower and desire. And I don't see why that should be any different with this young bunch of players," said the manager.