Sunderland are reportedly on the verge of signing Everton defender Joe Anderson. According to sources on Merseyside, the clubs have agreed a deal and the 21-year-old centre-back is set to undergo a medical at the Academy of Light and complete his move.
Stalybridge-born Anderson has been at Everton since the age of 15 and has come through the club's academy system but has yet to play a first-team game for the Toffees. He can also operate at left-back and on the left side of midfield, although more recently he has played in central defence.
Sunderland head coach Tony Mowbray said at the end of last week that the Black Cats could add a defender before the transfer window closed, as he listed the positions that still needed strengthening. If Anderson does complete his move, it could have a knock-on effect with experienced Australia international Bailey Wright having been linked with a move away from Wearside this month.
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Wright was not included in the squad for yesterday's FA Cup fourth round tie at Fulham, although Mowbray said afterwards that that was due to the defender suffering a calf issue in training on the eve of the match.
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