Sunderland are set to conclude some business in the final days of the transfer window
Swedish goalkeeper Melker Ellborg is travelling to Wearside on Saturday to complete a permanent move to Sunderland.
The Black Cats will pay a fee in the region of £3 million to sign the 22-year-old stopper, who will go straight into Régis Le Bris's squad as understudy to Robin Roefs. Ellborg's arrival will pave the way for Anthony Patterson to head out on loan before Monday's 7pm deadline, with Alex Neil's Millwall known to be leading the race for his signature.
Sunderland have been monitoring the market all month to ensure they could secure adequate cover for Roefs, paving the way for Patterson to go out and play regularly. Ellborg does not have a huge amount of senior experience but has impressed since breaking through into Malmo's side over the past year, and has played in the Europa League this season. Sunderland had held talks over a move for Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Jonas Omlin, but he moved to Bayer Leverkusen after the Bundesliga side suffered an injury and brought him in to play. Sunderland have since decided that their preference is to invest in a young goalkeeper who they can develop in their environment and who they feel has the potential to push Roefs in the long run. Sunderland feel Ellborg has similar attributes to Roefs, who has been a spectacular success this season.
The formalities of the deal are expected to be completed over the next 24 hours ahead of Monday's deadline.
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The other business Sunderland could conclude before the deadline
As well as movement in the goalkeeper department, Sunderland are continuing to assess the market to see if they can bolster their squad for the remaining months of the campaign.
They are open to strengthen in the wide areas with Bertrand Traoré currently sidelined with a knee injury and as per Sky Sports, the club are monitoring Chelsea youngster Tyrique George. George, who came close to joining Fulham in the summer, has made 11 appearances this season but is expected to depart before the deadline on Monday. Sunderland will face competition for signature, however, as Everton have submitted a loan offer for the youngster. David Moyes's side have been hit with a significant injury blow over the past week, with Jack Grealish suffering a foot injury that will keep him sidelined for a significant period.
Central midfield is another area where Sunderland will strengthen if the right option does become available, while more loan departures for fringe players are also expected.
Speaking on Friday, Le Bris said: "I won't comment on individual players but the market is often the same. Many interest, many conversations, not many deals. For us as a club and a team we don't have to rush anything.
"We're happy with our squad. If we can reinforce our team we'll try. We'll see what happens. It's possible we'll strengthen but it's better for us to stay under the radar. The market is the market and it's unpredictable, and often more active at the end. It's possible for one or two players to leave as well] because they need more minutes. If it's possible we'll do it."
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