Sunderland are set to make their first transfer of the summer ahead of a crucial season in League One.
The Black Cats have suffered back-to-back relegations and now find themselves in the third tier of English football.
According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are close to sealing the transfer of the former Hearts defender Alim Ozturk.
Ozturk currently plays for Boluspor but has opted against extending his contract with the Turkish side. His contract with Bolu Beyi expires this summer meaning he will be able to join Sunderland for free.
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The Turkish defender was born in the Netherlands and spent two and a half years in Scotland playing for Hearts of Midlothian.
Sunderland are expected to make major changes to their squad as they look to free up their wage bill following relegation from the championship.
Alim Ozturk made a total of 21 appearances for Boluspor this season and helped his side get into the playoffs.
