Sunderland have reportedly asked FIFA for special dispensation to help push through a deal for Boavista goalkeeper Mika.
The Black Cats failed with a bid to sign the 25-year-old ahead of Wednesday's transfer deadline, despite agreeing personal terms with the 25-year-old.
David Moyes is desperate to bring in a new stopper after losing Vito Mannone for three months and potentially Jordan Pickford, who was forced to withdraw from England Under-21s' squad due to a thigh injury.
Should Pickford fail to recover in time for the clash with Moyes's former side Everton on September 12, then rookie stopper Max Stryjek will be thrown into the first team.
The Mirror reports that Sunderland will now appeal to world football's governing body in a desperate attempt to secure the signing of Mika, as clubs without two senior goalkeepers are allowed to seek cover from elsewhere.
Moyes was hit by a further injury blow on Thursday, with the news that striker Fabio Borini has been ruled out of action for the next three months.
Daniel Lewis
