Sources: Sunderland have Joseph Anderson bid accepted by Everton
Sunderland have had a bid for Everton rising star Joseph Anderson accepted, sources have told Football Insider.
The centre-back, 21, has been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the Championship giants ahead of a potential transfer.
Sunderland have lined up a deal for the Everton Under-21s captain after identifying him as capable of strengthening their back line for the second half of the season.
He has yet to make his senior Everton bow but has played extensively for his club at age-group level.
That includes 62 appearances for the Merseysiders' Under-21s, 17 of which have come this season, as well as a further 44 at Under-18s level.
Anderson is also a regular goalscorer and will provide presence in both boxes for Sunderland as they chase down promotion this season.
The north-east big hitters are ninth in the Championship with 41 points, just a point adrift of the final play-off spot.
Automatic promotion is almost out of the question with leaders Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United well clear of the chasing pack, but the battle for the third promotion spot is set to be an intensive one.
Sunderland's deal for Anderson comes while they wait on the possibility of re-signing Ellis Simms on loan for the second half of the campaign.
It is dependent upon the Premier League club securing new attacking signings, with two forwards in their sights before Tuesday's cut-off.