League One side Sunderland have launched an audacious bid to sign Fulham centre back Terence Kongolo in the closing hours of transfer deadline day.

Marco Silva has been keen to find the Dutch international some regular first-team football before the closure of the transfer window after the 27 year-old’s stay at Craven Cottage has been disrupted by injuries, a lack of fitness and poor form. Kongolo has only made four first team appearances for the Whites – including during a loan spell that was cut short by a broken foot – and has only featured for Fulham’s under 23 side this season.

Fulham had been hoping to secure a loan move for the former Huddersfield centre back in his native Holland but interest from Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar appears to have fizzled out. Kongolo’s contract at Craven Cottage runs out in 2024, although the Championship leaders hold an option to extend it by a further season.