Sunderland are in talks with Aberdeen defender Russell Anderson over a possible move to the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats agreed a fee with Aberdeen on Tuesday and they gave Sunderland permission to speak to the Scottish international.
Aberdeen were reluctant to sell Anderson, but with the player having just 12 months to run on his current contract they have decided to cash-in on him.
Anderson's agent Blair Morgan confirmed the player had been given the green light to hold talks with Sunderland boss Roy Keane.
"Russell has been given permission to talk to Sunderland," Morgan told the Scottish Sun.
"We are here for those meetings and we will see how it all progresses."
Should Sunderland tie up a move for Anderson he will become the second new signing of the summer on Wearside following the capture of Greg Halford from Reading.
Black Cats pounce for Anderson
Sunderland have completing the signing of Russell Anderson from Aberdeen.
The Scottish international has inked a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.
Sunderland were given permission to talk to Anderson on Wednesday after agreeing a £1million fee with Aberdeen and they have quickly tied up his signature.
Anderson becomes Roy Keane's second signing of the summer following the capture of Greg Halford from Reading.
The 28-year-old was delighted to make the move to Wearside.
"I'm hugely excited," Anderson told the club's official website. "It's a big club going places and it's exciting times to be coming here so I'm certainly looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Keane was happy to beat several clubs to Anderson's signature.
"I'm delighted we've secured Russell's signature," noted Keane.
"Naturally we've had him watched a number of times and know all about the kind of player and character he is.
"He has a lot of experience and will provide competition for places at the back."