Mensah spent most of his early career in Italy

Sunderland hope to secure the season-long loan signing of Lyon defender John Mensah within the next 48 hours.

"It's fair to say that we are close to agreeing a deal, I'll hopefully know more in the next 24-48 hours but we hope so," said manager Steve Bruce.

Mensah, 26, is understood to be heading for Wearside to complete the temporary move, with the option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

The Ghanaian centre-half would provide defensive reinforcement at Sunderland.

Bruce has previously spoken of his desire to strengthen his defence.

606: DEBATE Have your say on the prospect of signing Mensah

In 2006, Mensah was a £3.5m target for Reading but chose to stay at Rennes.

Paraguay international Paulo Da Silva is yet to reach full match fitness after missing all of the pre-season programme because of administrative problems over his switch to English football.

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