Sunderland boss Roy Keane is planning an £8 million bid for Everton defender Joleon Lescott.
The Sun says Black Cats boss Keane is aware Lescott, 26, is unhappy at being played at full-back by Goodison Park manager David Moyes and is ready to offer him a way out.
Lescott has made the breakthrough into the England squad but believes he is much better playing at centre-back and his chances at international level will increase if he can command a regular spot at the heart of a defence.
Keane wants to take Sunderland to the upper reaches of the Premier League by investing heavily in players.