Black Cats set to capture Miller

Sunderland are closing in on midfield target Tommy Miller after agreeing terms for his switch from Ipswich to the Stadium of Light.

The 26-year-old is currently away on his honeymoon, but his father, also Tommy, who acts as his agent, has continued negotiations in his absence and it is understood that the move could be tied up within a week.

That will come as bad news to Ipswich boss Joe Royle, who was keen for the player to stay at Portman Road, as well as Leeds and Crystal Palace, who have also expressed an interest.

Miller Snr held talks at Elland Road earlier in the summer, but his Easington-born son is a boyhood Sunderland fan and the Black Cats were hopeful that that, as well as the lure of Barclays Premiership football, would prove decisive.

The former Hartlepool player would become manager Mick McCarthy’s fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Daryl Murphy, Nyron Nosworthy, Jon Stead and Kelvin Davis.