Sunderland have made an approach to sign QPR defender Steven Caulker on a permanent deal, reports Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old is currently on loan with Southampton but has failed to dislodge the preferred centre-back pairing of Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk at St Mary's.

The report claims that if Southampton and QPR agree, the player will be given permission to talk to Sam Allardyce's side regarding a January move to the Stadium of Light.

Former Tottenham, Swansea City and Cardiff City man Caulker has made just three league appearances for Ronald Koeman this term.