Talks were held at the Stadium of Light in the wake of City's 3-0 win over Sunderland, in which Ball played the full match for the victorious visitors.

The Black Cats' previous advances have been rebuffed, but officials from both clubs – including City manager Mark Hughes and Sunderland chief executive Peter Walker – held talks at the Stadium of Light.

Walker's phone had been hot throughout the Premier League clash, with the transfer window closing at midnight tonight and Sunderland manager Roy Keane eager to strengthen further.

Though he has not said specifically that he is in the market for a left-back, the Irishman has been open about wanting to improve one more position before the window closes.

Keane yesterday played down the possibility of adding to his 10 summer signings, but will not give up until the clock is finally against him.

Danny Higginbotham and Phil Bardsley have filled in at left-back so far this season after Danny Collins – a regular in the position last season – was switched to central defence.

Liverpool-born Ball started his career at Everton, making 121 Premier League appearances between 1996 and 2001 before a £6.5m move to Rangers, where he spent four seasons.

Capped once by England – in Sven-Goran Eriksson's debut match as coach against Spain in 2001 – a knee injury hampered Ball's progress at Ibrox, and he joined Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in 2005.

Ball was not a first-team regular in his two years at the Philips Stadium, and joined Manchester City last summer on a two-year deal.

Sunderland have also been linked with promising 18-year-old Leicester left-back Joe Mattock, although the Foxes reportedly rate him at £5m.
Mattock has made just 39 appearances.