Medical underway: Sunderland close in on signing of 26-year-old – sources
By Pete O’Rourke
Goalkeeper Jason Steele is undergoing a medical at Sunderland as he closes in on a transfer from Blackburn Rovers, Football Insider sources understand.
The 26-year-old started medical tests at the Championship club earlier this morning (Wednesday) as he puts the finishing touches to a move.
Sources close to the situation have told Football Insider that Steele is set to complete a permanent transfer to Sunderland as they look to solve their keeper dilemma.
The Black Cats have sold Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone this summer, with the former joining Everton for £30million in June and the latter moving to Reading last week for £2million.
Bishop Auckland-born Steele came through the ranks at Boro and played in 142 matches for the club.
He then joined Rovers in 2014, initially on loan, and has accumulated 120 appearances but their relegation to League One at the end of last season prompted speculation he would leave with a year remaining on his contact,
The keper has been capped by England at Under 16, 17, 19, and 21 levels, and also represented Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics.