Sunderland Football Club have been heavily linked with Danny Shittu.

The Nigerian international defender has failed to establish himself at Bolton Wanderers following his £2million summer move from Watford, playing just five times in the Premier League.

Sam Allardyce reportedly wants Shittu at Blackburn Rovers, but reports are suggesting Ricky Sbragia and the Black Cats are closing in on a deal for the player.

"A defender has always been the priority,” Sbragia told the club's official website. "I have spent a lot of time working on possible replacements in the last couple of days.”