Sunderland may approach Manchester United over signing goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak on an emergency loan, according to talkSPORT.
Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has a dilemma in goal with Simon Mignolet expected to be ruled out for up to two months with a facial injury, while Craig Gordon is also injured.
Keiren Westwood stepped in at Old Trafford in the side's 1-0 defeat to the Red Devils.
While Westwood and rookie keeper Carson are available for the North East side, Bruce is thought to be contacting Sir Alex Ferguson over taking out-of-favour Kuszczak off his hands.
Clubs are permitted to sign players outside of the transfer window for special circumstances.