Sunderland are eyeing Everton defender Sylvain Distin.

The Mirror says Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is ready to make a cheeky inquiry for Everton's veteran centre half Distin.

O'Neill wants the French defender's steadying influence for his survival fight and hopes to exploit the fact that his Goodison deal is running out.

Distin is still one of the classier performers in his position in the top flight and O'Neill would offer a low fee and a decent contract to tempt him back to the north east.