Andy Lonergan will join Sunderland on loan from Leeds United by the end of the transfer window, according to a reliable journalist.
Sky Sports’ north-east correspondent Keith Downie expects the Black Cats to seal the signing of the Elland Road number two even though he is set to be in United’s matchday squad that faces Hull on Tuesday night.
In a Twitter exchange with a Sunderland fan on Tuesday evening, Downie explained that he is expected Lonergan, a central midfielder and a striker to arrive by the Wednesday night cut-off.
 
Expecting Lonergan (GK), a central midfielder and a striker. Whether that happens or not, I don’t know! ??????? https://t.co/mTyG7NbWlD
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 30, 2018
It has been widely reported in recent days that Sunderland want to sign the veteran keeper, 34, but Leeds want to secure a replacement before letting him go.
The Yorkshire giants have been linked with loan moves for Liverpool’s reserve Adam Bogan and Arsenal’s Emiliano Martinez, who is on loan at Getafe in Spain.
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 Felix Wiedwald in the United pecking order after failing to take his opportunity during 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 now set to be a late window goalkeeper merry-go-round.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends whether Leeds can land a replacement, which is most likely to be on loan. They appear to have a few irons in the fire, although there were reports this evening that Celtic are plotting a hijack of their Martinez deal.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10