James McFadden is set to complete a season long deal at the Stadium of Light.
The 29 year old has been unattached since his release from Everton in the summer, but is near to penning a deal on Wearside.
Scotland international, McFadden has been training with Sunderland for a fortnight and has seemingly done enough to complete a short-term deal.
Martin O’Neill told the Daily Star, “James had trained with us and I think he’s done well. I’ll have a proper word with him this week.”
The versatile attacker had also trained with former club, Motherwell, but looks set to extend his nine year stay in England with another run in the Premier League.
McFadden may pressurise formerly guaranteed starters, Stephane Sessegnon and James McClean, who have endured mixed starts to the season. His arrival may trigger loan deals for Sunderland’s inexperienced frontmen with, O’Neill keen to send fringe players, Ryan Noble, Connor Wickham and Ji Dong Won out on loan.