Sunderland have reportedly agreed a deal with Toronto to sign Premier League veteran Jermain Defoe this month.
The relegation-threatened Black Cats have struck an agreement with the MLS outfit in a deal that will see Jozy Altidore go the other way, according to the Daily Mail.
Gus Poyet's side sit just one point clear of the relegation zone, having netted just 18 league goals all season, and the Uruguayan is hopeful that Defoe can reinvigorate their survival bid.
The 32-year-old joined the Canadian side from Tottenham Hotspur 11 months ago but has reportedly been itching for a return to England for much of his spell.
He has netted 214 goals spread across spells with four English clubs - Bournemouth, West Ham United, Portsmouth and two stints at Spurs.
In contrast, USA international Altidore, who joined the North-East club from AZ Alkmaar in 2013, has netted just three times in all competitions since his arrival 18 months ago.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew recently played down a move for Defoe, while Hull City's Steve Bruce says that he was priced out of a move by his wage demands.
Shane Callaghan
