Sunderland are hopeful of signing Andy Lonergan from Leeds United but he is set to be in their squad for Tuesday night’s clash against Hull unless Victor Orta can seal a replacement by midday today (Tuesday), according to Roker Report.
The Sunderland fans site, which is a reliable source of news surrounding the club, claim that Lonergan, 34, is still on course to make a move to the Stadium of Light but the move has been delayed due to a goalkeeper merry-go-round.
Roker Report state that Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen and director of football Orta are working on signing a replacement for their current number two but must register him by lunchtime in order for him to be available for their league fixture against Hull at the KC Stadium tomorrow night.
It is said that the deal for Lonergan to move to the Stadium of Light is “very much on” and the player himself is keen on being reunited with Sunderland assistant Kit Symons, the man who took him to Fulham in 2015.
But Leeds need a replacement for their veteran back-up before allowing him to go and have been strongly linked with a loan move for Liverpool reserve Adam Bogdan.
Lonergan has not featured for the club since the 4-1 defeat to Wolves in November and has been forced to watch from the sidelines as Felix Wiedwald regained the number one spot.
Good move for Leeds?
As long as Leeds can sign a reliable keeper as a replacement, offloading Lonergan is not a major loss. The keeper is certainly behind Wiedwald in the United pecking order after a seven-game run in the side when the German was dropped following a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in October. Lonergan did not look especially comfortable and Leeds fans will not mourn his departure. It paves the way for an exciting Leeds signing opportunity in what is a late window goalkeeper merry-go-round that is set to go down to the wire.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on whether Orta and company can push a deal over the finish line for a new keeper. Bogdan is in their sights after the Hungary international recovered from a long-term injury. If Leeds can get that deal done, expect Lonergan to immediately head to the north-east. This could go down to the wire.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10