Sunderland are lining up a move for Croatia international Domagoj Vida, sources close to the club have told ESPN FC.
New Sunderland boss David Moyes has made defensive reinforcements one of his top priorities since taking over from Sam Allardyce and has targeted a move for Dynamo Kiev centre-back Vida.
Sunderland are short of options in defence with the departures of Wes Brown, Sebastian Coates and Santiago Vergini this summer and Moyes is keen to address the issue.
Vida impressed at Euro 2016 this summer, featuring in three out of four of his country's games in France.
Kiev are willing to sell the 27-year-old for the right price and a number of clubs have been tracking him.
However, Sunderland are hoping to win the race for Vida, who can play at right-back as well as in the centre of defence.