Sunderland boss Roy Keane will reportedly attempt to smash the club's transfer record by luring Celtic wideman Aidan McGeady to Wearside.
Republic of Ireland winger McGeady has been subject to interest from a host of Premier League clubs with Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur believed to be keen.
The 22-year-old was outstanding for Celtic last season, in which he claimed the SPL Player of the Year gong.
The Black Cats boss could go armed with an offer of around £10million, which would surpass the initial £7million paid to Hearts for keeper Craig Gordon.
According to the Scotsman, Keane is ready to try and clinch the deal by offering the Scottish champions forward Anthony Stokes.
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is chasing a striker and Stokes, who failed to make an impact at the Stadium of Light, could fit the bill.