Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is chasing West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green.
The News of the World says Bruce is set to offer £6million to take West Ham's England keeper to the Stadium of Light.
And insiders believe the Hammers face an uphill fight to hold off their Premier League rivals.
Bruce will give the biggest indication yet of the size of the Black Cats' intentions when the transfer window opens and he attempts to sign the 29- year-old.