Sunderland have opened discussions with Aston Villa to sign striker Ross McCormack on a season-long loan.
The 30-year-old will be allowed to leave Villa Park after manager Steve Bruce left him out of their pre-season trip to Germany.
McCormack joined for £12m from Fulham last summer but had a difficult season falling out with Bruce and ending the season by having cysts removed from his jaw.
Sunderland want a prolific forward after losing Jermain Defoe last season and though McCormack failed last campaign they hope a change of surroundings can rekindle his usually prolific form.