Sunderland should tie up a deal for Villa full-back Habib Beye before the close of the transfer window on Monday.
Beye, a former Newcastle United player, has failed to break into the Claret and Blue first team since his summer arrival and is likely to fancy a move back to the North East.
Mackems boss Steve Bruce is eager to steady a defence which conceded seven goals at Chelsea recently and the £2.5m rated stopper is seen as the best option.
Villa should be ready to let the Senegalese man leave, as they now have good cover at right-back, with Carlos Cuellar and Luke Young both able to fill the position.