33 year old Scharner has struggled with injuries and form so far this season for his new club Hamburg in the Bundesliga and is looking for a team where he can rekindle his fitness and form of old.
Sunderland are said to be chasing the signautre of the Austrian international but Roberto Martinez last night officially confirmed his interest.
"Over the next 48 hours I am hoping to bring one or two players in and Paul is one of them," Martinez said.
"We had the injury to Ivan Ramis, his season is over and we are very short at the back. Antolin Alcaraz is not back yet, so I am trying to bring some cover in at centre-half.
"Paul could be a perfect replacement because he knows the football club and the Premier League.
"He is someone who could fit in at centre-half and with the way we play.
"The fans would welcome him with open arms and it is something that I am hoping to have positive news on over the next 48 hours."