Sunderland are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of returning to the Premier League and could now be close to completing another impressive capture, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Sunderland look to add more faces after Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra
Enzo Le Fee became Sunderland's first permanent signing of the window following his successful loan spell from Roma, and the Black Cats have also brought in Habib Diarra from Strasbourg to solidify their engine room.
Speaking after his arrival, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman stated: "Habib is an exciting talent, and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC. At 21, he already has more than 100 senior appearances on his resume, and he's been a captain in one of Europe's elite leagues.
Habib Diarra
"This underlines his undoubted quality and immense potential, and it reflects our progress and ambition that we have secured a player of his calibre."
Free agent left-back Reinildo is also set to join Sunderland following three years at Atletico Madrid, providing experience at left-back as they also pursue a deal for Chelsea youngster Ishe Samuels-Smith.
Charlie Cresswell has been lined up to bolster the Black Cats' defensive spine, lending credence to the fact Regis Le Bris wants to make sure the centre of his side is watertight enough to secure Premier League survival.
Enzo-Le-Fee-Sunderland Related
Biggest talent since Le Fee: Sunderland plotting to sign £21m “phenomenon”
Sunderland could soon seal a deal that's even bigger than Enzo Le Fee's statement addition.
Plenty of optimism is starting to emanate on Wearside due to the high calibre of individuals being linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland's pedigree in the top-flight an attractive draw for potential recruits.
With that in mind, Le Bris and company are now reportedly closing in on a major signing between the sticks ahead of the new season.
Sunderland close in on Chelsea's Djordje Petrovic
Taking to social media platform X, Sky journalist Tavolieri has confirmed Sunderland are closing in on Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic for a fee in the region of £21.5 million.
Rumoured to be coming in on a five-year contract, it is expected that the Serbia international will now compete with Anthony Patterson for the number one jersey at the Stadium of Light.
Labelled a "great goalkeeper" by Liam Rosenior, the 25-year-old spent last campaign on loan at Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg and kept ten clean sheets in 31 appearances across all competitions, conceding 38 times in total.
Petrovic was left out of the Blues' Club World Cup squad to seek a move elsewhere, and Sunderland may well be the ideal platform for the Požarevac-born man to gain regular first-team football after spending two years on the periphery at Stamford Bridge.