Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon to leave Sunderland

The pair will formally leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of next month after the Black Cats decided not to offer either a new deal.

Manager Paolo Di Canio's retained list does not include loan signings Danny Rose and Kader Mangane, who have returned to their respective clubs, while Ahmed Elmohamady and Ji Dong-won are back on Wearside after temporary spells at Hull and Augsburg respectively.

Di Canio has signalled his intention to overhaul the squad he inherited from Martin O'Neill with six or seven summer additions after dragging the club clear, if only just, of the scramble for Barclays Premier League survival at the end of last season.

Sunderland are expected to appoint the 44-year-old Italian's compatriot Roberto Di Fanti to facilitate the rebuilding programme following the departure of chief scout Bryan "Pop" Robson.

They have already made one signing this summer with 19-year-old Altrincham striker Duncan Watmore having joined last week, and Di Canio appears to be closing in on a second amid claims that the club has agreed a deal with Basle midfielder Cabral.

The Black Cats declined to confirm reports in the Swiss media that the 24-year-old Cape Verde-born player, who had previously been linked with Blackburn, is heading for the Stadium of Light.

However, it is understood that Cabral, who is out of contract at the end of next month, is one of the names on the list of potential new recruits drawn up by the manager as he looks to significantly strengthen his squad in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last season's scare.

Cabral made 36 appearances for Basle last season and appeared as a substitute in the 2-2 Europa League quarter-final, first leg draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on April 4.

Meanwhile, Sunderland today announced a new partnership deal with the BFS Group Limited, the UK operation of South Africa-based Bidvest Group Limited.

The deal includes shirt sponsorship, perimeter advertising and involvement from the players in community events in the UK.

Margaret Byrne, the club's chief executive, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be entering into a partnership with the BFS Group and Bidvest.

"The groups' credentials in terms of community support are akin to our own and this takes our club to a whole new level in terms of its international commercial activity.

"Whilst Sunderland will always be a club defined by its proud regional history and heritage, in order for the club to continue to move forward, building our reputation and presence internationally becomes a key focus.

"I am sure this will be a very fruitful partnership for both parties."

PA