Sources are suggesting that Martin O’Neill could get his summer spending underway with a bid for PSG defender Sylvain Armand as the Northern Irishman looks to build on what has been a successful 2011-12 campaign so far.

According to reports, O’Neill will have funds made available by chairman Ellis Short at the end of the season but that won’t stop the former Aston Villa boss from looking for a deal or two.

Armand’s contract with the Parisian outfit is set to expire in just over 12 months and after falling out of favour at PSG, he may be open to a Premier League switch.

The centre-back, who is also capable of functioning at left-back, has made just 14 starts this season, only six of which have come in Ligue 1 competition.

Sunderland wrapped up the loan signatures of Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Wayne Bridge in the winter period but it is unlikely that either deal will be made permanent and the North East club will instead look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.

There appears to be an ulterior motive behind the Armand interest however, as Black Cats talisman Stephane Sessegnon continues to be linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light.

As a result, the Sunderland board will be hoping that Armand’s arrival may ease the mind of the Benin international and a face from his old side may convince him to stick on at Wearside.

Whether that plan will go accordingly is secondary though and Armand remains a target for Sunderland, who would be expected to pay in excess of £3m for the 31 year-old.