According to reports from Sky Sports, Sunderland are close to signing their former player Grant Leadbitter this week.
The report claims that Leadbitter is set to have a medical at Sunderland on Monday, ahead of his permanent switch to the Stadium of Light.
The Boro captain has agreed to take a large pay cut to rejoin his boyhood club.
The 33-year-old, who joined Ipswich in 2009 from Sunderland, has struggled for regular games this season under Tony Pulis.
He has not featured for Boro since the 3-0 win over Sheffield United at the start of August and has dropped down the pecking order at the club.