Sunderland are hopeful of completing a signing in the early stages of the January transfer window, says manager Sam Allardyce.
Injuries to Black Cats defenders Younes Kaboul and Adam Matthews have heightened the need to add cover to the squad next month.
It is Allardyce's first chance to make additions after his October arrival.
"We hope we can pull one of these off in the early stages of January," Allardyce told BBC Newcastle.
"We're in negotiations in a lot of areas, various matters, positions and players.
"Who's available, what's the talent of the player and will he come to Sunderland? Does he want to play in the Premier League and what are the financial aspects? Those processes are ongoing here and have been the last few weeks."
Kaboul is out with a torn hamstring, while Matthews has damaged ankle ligaments.
Allardyce, whose side are 19th in the Premier League table, took over at Sunderland following Dick Advocaat's decision to step down as head coach earlier in the season.