Town target Daryl Murphy is expected to sign for Sunderland for £70,000 later this week. The Waterford United striker had two trials with the Blues with Joe Royle impressed enough to say he would try to sign the Irish U21 international in the summer if the cash was there.

Waterford manager Alan Reynolds says an agreement with Sunderland is close: "We are not far away from a deal, but it has not happened yet.

"Negotiations are ongoing with Sunderland but I would say we are not far away and that something could happen in the next few days.

"Ipswich enquired after him, but they were not sure of their financial situation and never followed that up.

"Daryl is excited at the prospect of going to Sunderland and the possibility of playing in the Premiership even though it will be hard to break into the team."

Sunderland have also been linked with Town striker Daren Bent, as have Charlton who offered £3 million for his services last summer.

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