CRYSTAL PALACE are hoping to complete a deal for Sunderland left-back Patrick van Aanholt within the next 48 hours.

Having already had a £7m bid for van Aanholt rejected, Palace officials made renewed contact with their counterparts at the Stadium of Light over the weekend in an attempt to seal a deal.

They have expressed a willingness to pay up to £12m for the Dutchman, who is understood to be keen on a move to Selhurst Park.

David Moyes had initially been extremely reluctant to sell van Aanholt this month, but with the full-back seemingly set on a move away from the Stadium of Light, he is willing to do business provided Palace pay almost all of their fee up front.

That would then enable him to sign an experienced left-back to replace van Aanholt before the transfer window closes a week tomorrow.

Moyes lodged a bid for Norwich's Robbie Brady last week, but the Republic of Ireland international is reluctant to join Sunderland given their position at the foot of the Premier League table.

Burnley and Bournemouth have also expressed an interest, and are expected to battle it out for Brady's signature.

Moyes handed Joleon Lescott a trial at Sunderland's Academy of Light training ground last week, and is also considering a move for free agent Robbie Keane as he attempts to secure some cut-price additions.

The Sunderland boss will at least be able to welcome Didier Ndong back into his squad for his club's next outing against Tottenham on January 31.

Ndong's Gabon side crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations last night after drawing all three of their group games.