Sunderland have already made one signing this summer with 19-year-old Altrincham striker Duncan Watmore having joined last week, and Paolo Di Canio appears to be closing in on a second amid claims that the club has agreed a deal with Basle midfielder Cabral.
The Black Cats declined to confirm reports in the Swiss media that the 24-year-old Cape Verde-born player, who had previously been linked with Blackburn, is heading for the Stadium of Light.
Cabral made 36 appearances for Basle last season and appeared as a substitute in the 2-2 Europa League quarter-final, first leg draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on April 4.