HITC Sport understands Sunderland are closing in on Derby striker.
Sunderland have agreed a loan deal with Derby for Chris Martin and hope to convince the player to make the move to the Stadium of Light, HITC Sport understands.
Martin’s future at Derby has been the subject of speculation this month with the Rams open to offers for the Scotland international.
A number of Championship clubs have expressed an interest in taking Martin on loan, but Derby have been reluctant to allow the forward to join any of their promotion rivals opening the door for Sunderland to try and land him.
Sunderland have been locked in talks with Derby and both clubs have come to an agreement and now it is up to the player to decide if he wants to join Chris Coleman’s men.
Sunderland are desperate for reinforcements during this month’s transfer window as they look to climb out of relegation trouble and a new striker has been a top priority following the departure of Lewis Grabban earlier this month after Bournemouth cut short his loan stay at the Stadium of Light.
Martin has found himself playing a bit-part role for Derby this season under Gary Rowett and the recent arrival of Cameron Jerome from Norwich has pushed him further down the pecking order at the iPro Stadium.
The 29-year-old has made only five Championship starts this season and Sunderland hope the offer of regular first-team football will persuade him to make the move to the North-East.
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