Senegalese defender Kader Mangane has arrived on Wearside ahead of his proposed move to Sunderland.
It is thought that the 29-year-old will initially join the Black Cats on a six-month loan deal from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hila, with a view to making the switch a permanent one in the summer.
"He's here and we're hoping to have that completed. It's nearly there," manager Martin O'Neill told the Sunderland Echo. "He wants to do it and wants to come and prove himself. We're pleased to have him.
"He'll add a bit of competition for places because we don't want to leave ourselves short of February 1.
"He's a biggish lad and pretty competitive. I think he wants to really have a go."
Mangane could make his debut against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
