Waterford United striker Daryl Murphy looks certain to sign for Sunderland within the next few days after Aberdeen dropped out of the race to sign the Town target. The Dons had planned to watch the Irish U21 international in action on Friday but manager Jimmy Calderwood has cancelled his trip.
The Blues were keen to make Murphy a summer signing after he impressed in two trial spells at Portman Road, but Sunderland's promotion to the Premiership has allowed them to move more quickly for the former Luton Town trainee who is expected on Wearside today for a medical.
Waterford manager Alan Reynolds says that a move to Aberdeen might have been more beneficial for his career: "It is a big gamble for Daryl to take because Premiership football in England is going to be a lot harder for him.
"It is his own decision, though, and good luck to him. There are a few Irish boys at Sunderland already who will help him.
"He definitely has something about him, but whether he has got enough to do it in the Premiership remains to be seen.
"I think Aberdeen would have been a better move for him but, in fairness, they never put an offer in for him and Sunderland did.
"Going to Aberdeen and playing regularly in the SPL would have helped his career more, but turning Sunderland down would have been difficult."
Sunderland are thought to have agreed a fee of around £70,000 for the 22-year-old.