The France international has been strongly linked with a switch to England for some time and he is now ready to take on a Premier League challenge.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Cissokho, but it appears they have shelved their interest and switched their attentions to Guilherme Siqueira.
It leaves the way clear for the Wearside club with Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio in the market for another left-back.
Valencia are thought to be open to the idea of selling Cissokho due to their financial problems, while Sunderland are hoping to land the former Lyon man on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Sources close to the player claim personal terms have been agreed but the terms of the deal have yet to be decided.
However, Sunderland could face competition for Cissokho's signature with Turkish side Besiktas expressing an interest in the 25-year-old.