Sunderland have been heavily linked with Nicolas Lombaerts.
As per a report in the Italian publication TMW, Sunderland are expected to complete the signing of Zenit Saint Petersburg defender Nicolas Lombaerts in the coming days.
The 35-capped Belgian international has spent the past eight years with the Russian champions, making 170 league appearances and helping the club win as many as nine major trophies.
Lombaerts, having previously played under Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat, was a favourite under the Dutch coach and was soon linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, as per a report by Sky Sports.
Now, the proposed signing has seemingly advanced from the initial links with fresh reports from Italy claiming that a deal worth in the region of £7.2 million will be completed within days.
“As collected by the staff of TMW, Nicolas Lombaerts’ deal to Sunderland will be completed in the coming days. The transfer fee is approximately £7.2 million,” the report in TMW states.
What will Nicolas Lombaerts bring to Sunderland?
At 30 years of age, the Zenit centre-back will bring a wealth of experience to the Premier League but more importantly quality of the highest order.
Alongside Ezequiel Garay, Lombaerts has been one of the best defenders in Russia in recent seasons and the club’s success has largely been built on the strong foundations at the back.
The former Gent star averaged 2.7 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per encounter last season, while his pass completion rate of 88.8% was among the best in the Russian top flight.
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