Sunderland are edging closer to signing permanently Rubin Kazan midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The Sunderland Echo says M'Vila, along with compatriot Chris Mavinga - also surplus to requirements after spending last season on loan, has now been given permission to return to his homeland.
Kazan claim this is due to a visa issue after the pair returned late to pre-season training last month due to paperwork issues.
M'Vila, himself, publicly confirmed during the latter stages of last season's loan that he wanted to stay at Sunderland after reviving his career at the Stadium of Light.
And he again appeared to stress those views in comments from his Instagram account this week.
When asked if he would return to Sunderland, he said (sic): “I want mate, but it's not my choice.
“I want Sunderland not another club but the choice is Sunderland."