Sunderland are reportedly chasing a deal for Middlesbrough’s Grant Leadbitter.
According to Sky Sports, Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter is ready to slash his wages in order to re-join Sunderland this month.
The Black Cats have already brought in centre back Jimmy Dunne on loan from Burnley this month, but Jack Ross remains keen on more additions.
A striker is believed to be a top target, especially with Josh Maja on his way out, but another midfielder may yet be arriving at the Stadium of Light.
Middlesbrough’s Leadbitter has been linked with a return to Wearside this month, and Sky Sports report that he is now ready to take a major pay cut to join the club.
The two North East clubs are believed to be in talks about a permanent deal, meaning Leadbitter may well re-join Sunderland before next week’s transfer deadline.
Leadbitter, 33, grew up supporting Sunderland and came up through the club’s ranks, making more than 100 appearances before joining Ipswich Town in 2009.
The veteran returned to the North East with Middlesbrough in 2012, and has made almost 250 appearances for Boro, but has started just one league game this season.
Leadbitter may now fancy a return to his boyhood club to help them try and win promotion back to the Championship, as he clearly has no future at Boro.
With Leadbitter ready to take a pay cut to join Sunderland – and a large one at that – an agreement over a fee is now the next hurdle to clear.
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