Sunderland are new favourites to land Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop today.

Portsmouth were chasing the Senegal international, but The News says Sunderland are now heading the race to sign him before the transfer window slams shut.

The Senegal midfielder has been a long-time target of Harry Redknapp and has been told by boss Lawrie Sanchez he can leave Fulham.

The club want £3m for the 29-year-old but Pompey are only prepared to go up to £2.5m - and now Sunderland are set to step in to secure his signature.