Sunderland are aiming to complete the permanent signing of midfielder Yann M'Vila before the new Premier League season kicks off on 13th August.
M'Vila spent last term on loan at the Black Cats from Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan, with whom he has a contract running until the summer of 2017.
He is due to head back to Rubin Kazan for pre-season training as there is no deal in place to keep him at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland do want to sign the 25-year-old on a permanent basis and according to French sports daily L'Equipe, are keen to have the deal done and dusted before they play their first Premier League match of the 2016/17 season.
Sam Allardyce's men start the season on 13th August with a trip to take on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
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The midfielder clocked up a total of 40 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland last season as he established himself as a fixture at the Stadium of Light.
M'Vila won 22 caps for France between 2010 and 2012.
