Sunderland have accepted an offer from Crystal Palace for Patrick van Aanholt, thought to be worth £14 million.
The Dutch International handed in a transfer request and will now have a medical in London after entering into contract talks with Crystal Palace.
Sam Allardyce has been completing a press conference this morning ahead of his side's FA Cup match with Man City on Saturday and confirmed the news by saying "He's in the process, at the moment."
The Crystal Palace manager also went on to say:
"van Aanholt was a major saviour in our run at Sunderland last season. (A) Major part of that success story.
"Goals and assists contribution was massive. His defending improved under me and he listened to advice."
Going by that success last season a reunion between the two makes total sense in Allardyce's bid to improve the club's fortunes but what does that sale mean for Sunderland, who at the moment, are another team fighting relegation?
The Black Cats are currently 1/8 to be relegated from the Premier League and it is looking all the more likely after this transfer window. With recent results improving for both Hull and Swansea, Sunderland are in serious danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the table. They are currently only three points off safety but face some tricky fixtures in their next three, where they will play Tottenham (H), Southampton (H) and Man City (H).
David Moyes has said there is no money to spend on his squad and with van Aanholt on the way out, as well as Jordan Pickford facing a lengthy period on the sidelines, they will have to do a lot more than rely on Jermain Defoe's goals if they are to stay up this season.
