Former Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar is believed to be on the verge of joining Sunderland on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old, who was released by the Midlands club earlier this month, had reportedly been in talks with Spanish side Sevilla.
However, the player had stated that his preference was to remain in England, where he has plied his trade since Martin O'Neill brought him to Villa Park from Rangers in August 2008.
O'Neill holds Cuellar in high esteem and, following a second round of talks with the player, a deal to bring him to the Stadium of Light is finally close, according to Setanta Sports.
Cuellar made 94 Premier League appearances during his Villa career, scoring twice.
