Ghana international John Mensah complex transfer to Sunderland has been explained with his French side Lyon saying the deal could be permanent.
The Black Cats are yet to confirm any deal, but according to a Lyon statement, Mensah will sign a season-long deal worth 500,000 euros (£416,000), with an option to purchase.
The deal will become permanent if the 27-year-old defender plays more than 25 games, at which point Sunderland would pay a further 5,500,000 euros (£4.58million).
"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," a Lyon statement said.
"This option provides for the permanent transfer of John Mensah to Sunderland for an amount of 5.5million euros (a total of 6million euros) if the players plays in a minimum of 25 games in different competitions during the 2010/11 season or if the club decide to take up the option before April 30, 2011."
Mensah made 18 appearances for Sunderland while on loan from Lyon last season.
He then captained Ghana as they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa.