Sources: Sunderland close to beating Sheffield Wednesday to signing of Stoke City star Batth
Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Stoke City defender Danny Batth, Football Insider understands.
The League One big hitters are set to beat Sheffield Wednesday to the capture of the centre-back, 31, after both submitted offers.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Sunderland have offered Batth an 18-month deal to make the move to the Stadium of Light.
The centre-back is set to turn down former loan side Wednesday to sign for the Black Cats.
He was set to be out of contract at Stoke this summer.
As such, the Potters gave the former Wolves star the green light to seal a permanent departure this month.
Batth’s availability caught the attention of several clubs across the Football League.
Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday were among the frontrunners for his capture.
However, the Black Cats have won the race to deal their League One rivals a blow.
Sunderland has been in the market for a new centre-back this month in a bid to boost the club’s promotion push.
The North East giants currently sit second in the third-tier table, one point behind Wycombe Wanderers.
Manager Lee Johnson sees Batth as an experienced defender who can help shore up his side’s backline.
The defender has 117 League One and 260 Championship appearances under his belt.
He has made 13 appearances for Stoke this season, including nine consecutive league starts between November and January.
Batth has played a total of 103 times for the Potters, having joined the club in January 2019.
In other news, Kevin Phillips claims Sunderland star may have to force his way out the club amid rival interest.