Sources: Evans set to sign for Sunderland after quitting Blackburn Rovers
Sunderland have signed Corry Evans on a free transfer following his departure from Blackburn Rovers, Football Insider has learned.
Evans left Blackburn after his contract expired at the end of last month.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider the Northern Ireland international has penned a two-year deal with the Black Cats.
Football Insider learned on 21 June both Stoke City and Cardiff City were chasing the midfielder.
Evans was Rovers' longest-serving player before his departure after he spent eight years at Ewood Park.
He made 220 appearances for the Championship outfit across all competitions which yielded five goals and 10 assists.
His brother Jonny spent two productive loan spells with Sunderland earlier on in his career.
Lee Johnson has already begun his rebuild at the Stadium of Light after signing Alex Pritchard from Huddersfield Town earlier this month.
The 40-year-old took charge of the Black Cats last December and guided them to the play-off semi-final.
However, they have lost start striker Charlie Wyke to rivals Wigan Athletic.
Wyke found the net 30 times in 53 games across all competitions last season, including 25 goals in the league.
Football Insider learned on 7 July the 28-year-old snubbed an improved deal from Sunderland and an offer from Celtic to sign for the Latics.
Evans has previous experience in League One with Blackburn.
The 66-time international played 32 games as Rovers earned automatic promotion from the division.