Black Cats to sign midfielder Bassila

Sunderland have agreed to sign the Strasbourg midfielder Christian Bassila on a two-year contract.

The 27-year-old, a midfielder who can also play in defence, had a brief spell with West Ham and has also turned out for Lyon and Rennes.

“He’ll be here hopefully today at some stage,” said Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy. “We are just waiting for international clearance.”

McCarthy added: "He's a defensive midfield player who can play in the back four as well. He’s big and tall, 6ft 3in, a very powerful player and he’s played for the last three seasons with Strasbourg.”