The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Sunderland, who were impressed with his contribution.

He could now rejoin the Black Cats on another season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent move.

"Olympique Lyon can confirm the loan of Ghana international John Mensah to English club Sunderland for an amount of 500,000 euros with an option to purchase," the French club said in a statement.

Sunderland, who also signed Egyptian wing-back Al-Muhammadi in the close season, said on Friday that no deal has been completed yet.

Mensah captained Ghana during the World Cup finals in South Africa, where they reached the quarter finals before losing to Uruguay on penalties.