Alan Browne is to undergo a medical at Sunderland having severed his ties with fellow Championship outfit Preston North End.
New Black Cats boss Régis Le Bris is on the lookout for experience and the 29-year-old fits the bill having made 412 appearances for Preston for over a decade.
The Ireland midfielder graduated to club captain after moving from Cork City but recently parted ways after his contract expired without an agreement being reached on fresh terms.
His availability alerted a number of Championship clubs, including Coventry City and promoted Turkish top-flight outfit Göztepe, but the Corkman has visited the north-west in recent days.
Frenchman Le Bris is seeking experience to bolster his midfield after losing Northern Ireland veteran Cory Evans.
He said: “We are thinking about one or two more experienced players, who know the Championship very well, for example, and have high standards when it comes to training.
“They can help dictate the way of playing and lead the team during the game. These kind of players could be young or could be older.”
Last week Preston boss Ryan Lowe summarised the contribution of Browne to the club’s cause, stressing it was his decision to seek pastures new.
He said: “What I will say is that he’s been a fantastic servant for the football club – 400 plus [appearances]. We were planning with and without him, in terms of transfers. He was a fantastic character around the place, a fantastic leader – and he did an unbelievable job for Preston North End.
“But, we have to look further now and go past it. He has decided for a new challenge, which I as the manager ultimately respect – for him and his family. We wish him all the best for wherever he goes.
“Hopefully there is another one who can get into that 400 club in years to come, whether it’s a new signing or a player who’s already here.”
