Sunderland manager David Moyes has been linked with a move for his former Everton captain Phil Jagielka as he begins life at the Stadium of Light.
Moyes signed Jagielka in 2007 from Sheffield United during his time in charge at Goodison Park, where he was named skipper in 2013, and he is reportedly keen to add experience to his Sunderland backline.
However any move for the England international will depend on the Blues securing their own defensive transfer targets.
Following the £47.5 million exit of John Stones to Manchester City, Ronald Koeman’s side have been linked with moves for Swansea City captain Ashley Williams and Sunderland defender Lamine Kone.
It remains a possibility that Moyes make in fact look for a deal that involves Jagielka plus cash, to allow Kone to leave Sunderland for Merseyside.