Sunderland are believed to be continuing with their pursuit of Benfica's Maxi Pereira.
The Black Cats, now managed by Dick Advovcaat, were keen on the Uruguayan full-back when Gus Poyet was in charge but the Wearside club remains keen on his services according to talkSPORT.
Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton is still in charge of transfer dealings at the Stadium of Light and may push ahead with the potential transfer at the end of the season.