Sunderland are closing in on a deal for Manchester City defender Richard Dunne.

The Journal says the Black Cats are yet to table a formal offer for the Manchester City skipper and are embroiled in a complex game of brinkmanship with the Citizens and Everton, who did not want to lose England defender Lescott.

But City are confident of making progress on the Lescott deal by the middle of next week - giving Sunderland the green light to formalise their interest in Republic of Ireland defender Dunne.

Although the Black Cats have other defensive targets, Dunne is at the head of the list and the influence of chairman Niall Quinn would be a key factor in bringing the 29-year-old to the Stadium of Light.