Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill admits a deal for Al Hilal defender Abou Kader Mangane is not over the line.
Despite reports that the 29-year-old's move is a formality, O'Neill remains cautious.
He said: "He is making his way over at the moment.
"I'm not so sure that anything has been absolutely settled, but if it is, it would be a loan until the end of the season. We're hoping that something might materialise, but there's a distance to go yet."