Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe is in line for a proposed return to his home country England having passed his medical with Premier League club Sunderland.
Sunderland manager Gustavo Poyet is keen to strengthen his misfiring attacking options, which has only managed 18 goals in 21 league matches this season.
The ‘Black Cats’ are looking to finalise a permanent deal for the Englishman; 14th on the list of Premier League goalscorers with 124 goals.
The swap deal will have United States forward Jozzy Altidore move the other way, subject to ratification by the Major League Soccer (MLS).
Defoe, 32, has been training with former club Tottenham Hotspur during the MLS close season.
The former West Ham, Spurs and Portsmouth striker scored 11 goals in 16 games during his debut season for Toronto.
Sunderland are 16th in the table, a point above the relegation zone after winning only three of their 21 league matches so far.
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