Sunderland are reportedly planning to appoint Lee Congerton as the club's new director of football.
The Black Cats have been in the hunt for a new candidate since sacking Roberto De Fanti back in January.
According to the Shields Gazette, the Premier League outfit have been impressed by Congerton, who is currently the technical director at Hamburger SV.
Reports have also claimed that head coach Gus Poyet has given the green light to appoint Congerton, who was previously linked to a similar role at West Bromwich Albion.