The midfielder is out of contract this summer and therefore would be available as a free agent to the Black Cats, as the new manager aims to put his own stamp on the team.
Cabral was a stalwart in the Swiss champions’ Europa League campaign in 2012/13, playing 10 matches – including a triumphant two-legs over Tottenham – before Basel went out in the semi-finals to eventual winners Chelsea.
The Cape Verde-born player is eligible to feature for the Switzerland national side after playing his entire professional career in the country and representing them at youth level.
The 24-year-old is the cousin of former Manchester City player Gelson Fernandes; who spent two years at Eastlands before signing for Swiss side FC Sion in 2009.