Cape Town - Veteran midfielder Steven Pienaar could be handed a lifeline by newly-appointed Sunderland manager David Moyes, after recently parting ways with Everton.
The 34-year-old midfielder is currently on trial with the Black Cats and is hopeful of securing a contract that could see him reunited with his former manager.
Pienaar was released by the Toffees last week, following an injury-plagued campaign which saw him benched for 18-months of his second season at Goodison Park.
The former South Africa international was a regular starter under Moyes at Everton, and was the club's Player of the Season in 2009/10.
Moyes, who signed Pienaar from Borussia Dortmund back in 2008, is reportedly set to acquire a total of five players before the window shuts.
But with the the clock ticking and Moyes yet to complete his first signing, the urgency to bolster the squad ahead of the Black Cats's trip to Manchester City has become even greater.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have also been running the rule over former Aston Villa star Charles N'Zogbia, who is also currently on trial at the Stadium of Light.
"If anyone of those players want to join us, I would be happy to have them because they are excellent players," he said. "We are interested, but I am sure a host of other clubs are too."