David Moyes begins search for left-back with Patrick van Aanholt set to quit Sunderland for Crystal Palace

DAVID MOYES is stepping up his search for a left-back - as Patrick van Aanholt closes in on Crystal Palace.

Palace boss Sam Allardyce has been attempting to land Van Aanholt for a month and stepped up his interest after missing out on Carl Jenkinson last week.

Black Cats boss Moyes has now been forced to dip actively in the market for a replacement for Van Aanholt with it growing increasingly likely he will be on the move.

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Palace could bid as much as £12million to force a deal through, and the ex-Chelsea defender could make the switch as early as this week.

Moyes has been told he can use £10m from the sale of the Dutch full-back to strengthen his Sunderland squad and add quality to his first team.

Big Sam wants to be reunited with Van Aanholt after working with him at Sunderland.

He has been targeted by Allardyce to as his priority is to find a left-back as Pape Souare is crocked.

The 26-year-old was also on the hit-list of Swansea boss Paul Clement, who knew him from their time together at Chelsea, but they moved for Martin Olsson in a £5m deal.

Sunderland boss Moyes was interested in Robbie Brady but the Norwich wide-man has rejected a move to the Stadium Of Light.

The Republic of Ireland international will chose between Bournemouth and Burnley in a £13m deal instead.