Sunderland are believed to be confident of beating rivals Newcastle United to the loan capture of Chelsea midfielder Marco Van Ginkel.
Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat is desperate to add quality to his squad in order to avoid a repeat of their 2014-15 relegation scare next season.
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And the Daily Express claims that the 67-year is optimistic of landing Dutch compatriot Van Ginkel ahead of Newcastle, with an offer to the Blues having now been lodged.
Van Ginkel, who has yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea since joining for £8m from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013, spent last season on loan at AC Milan.
But he reportedly wants his next move to keep him in England so that he can try to prove to Chelsea that he is worthy of a future at the club.
Sunderland completed their first signing of the summer on Thursday as they acquired Sebastian Coates on a four-year deal from Liverpool.
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