Released Manchester City fullback Michael Ball is trialling with Wigan Athletic.
The Daily Mail says the former Manchester City and Everton left back is a free agent after leaving City in the summer.
He is due to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the weekend and hopes to impress manager Roberto Martinez who is keen to bolster his defensive options, with Sunderland ready to make a renewed £5m bid for left back Maynor Figueroa who is out with a knee injury.
Ball has already rejected a chance to train with Notts County.