Sunderland are reportedly on the verge of signing West Ham midfielder Pierre Ekwah on loan as manager Tony Mowbray starts to bolster his side in the January transfer window.
The youngster, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Sunday, is believed to be highly-rated within the Hammers camp but the decision has been made for him to get precious first-team minutes elsewhere.
In the past, he also spent time at the infamous Clairefontaine academy in France, a place that has produced such players as Thierry Henry, Kylian Mbappe, Nicolas Anelka, Hatem Ben Arfa and Abou Diaby.
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According to transfer journalist Alan Nixon (via FootballLeagueWorld), a deal for Ekwah is 'expected' to go through soon, and could be on of three new signings the Black Cats make before the end of the window in two weeks time.
Following the long-term injury of Elliot Embleton, it could be a big catch for Mowbray and company who have enjoyed a solid season so far which sees them sat just five points off third-place Watford.
It's unclear whether the move will be finalised by the time Sunderland welcome travellers Middlesbrough to the Stadium of Light on Sunday but if the Black Cats boss has big plans for Ekwah, it'll have to be done within the coming days.
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