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Reports emanating from Turkey suggest that Sunderland have made their first significant transfer move of the window by lodging a €2.25m (around 1.8m) bid for Bursaspor midfielder Alfred N'Diaye.
The former French Under-21 international moved to the Super Lig from Nancy 18 months ago, but it seems that Martin O'Neill has designs to bring an end to his stay with the Green Crocodiles in the hope he can add some much needed muscle to the Sunderland midfield.
On the surface, it would appear to be a quite untypical move for O'Neill, who has a reputation for favouring proven commodities from the domestic market. The Parisian is certainly one that fits the bill, however, with an 6'2" frame and imposing physique, and at just 22 years old he also seems to satisfy the criteria O'Neill recently laid out that any new signings must provide some long-term value for money for the club.
Just how much is in the story remains to be seen, but it seems a very prominent story in the Turkish press. One to very much keep your eye on.