Tony Pulis says Grant Leadbitter in talks to join Sunderland

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Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter is a former Sunderland player.

Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has suggested to the club’s official website that Grant Leadbitter will join Sunderland in the January transfer window.

Pulis has said that talks are going on over the transfer of the 33-year-old midfielder from Championship side Middlesbrough to League One outfit Sunderland.

“I think they’re talking,” Pulis told Middlesbrough’s official website. ”Grant’s a wonderful professional, he’s been fantastic since I’ve been at the club. He’s a Sunderland lad, and it’d be a wonderful move for him.

“Grant has a lot of affection for Sunderland, as he does with this club. We’ll do anything we can. But the finances are out of my hands, they’re between both parties.”

Back to Sunderland

Leadbitter started his professional club football career at Sunderland and was on the books of the Black Cats from 2002 until 2009.

After a spell at Ipswich from 2009 until 2012, the former England Under-21 international moved to Middlesbrough.

The midfielder has been a success for Boro, and has played in the Championship and in the Premier League with them.

With Sunderland aiming to finish in the top two of the League One table this season, the arrival of Leadbitter to the Stadium of Light will enhance the Black Cats’ chances of winning automatic promotion to the Championship.

According to WhoScored, Leadbitter has played just 64 minutes in the Championship so far this season, while the midfielder made 29 starts in the league during the 2017-18 campaign, according to WhoScored.