Sunderland makes £6m bid for Schalke defender

Westermann is out of Germany’s World Cup squad, due to a broken toe and is reportedly ready to begin talks regarding a move.

The 26-year-old defender has scored 12 goals in 92 Bundesliga games.

The Daily Mail reports that the Black Cats are also keeping tabs on Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha and West Ham star Matthew Upson.