A source close to former Fulham goalkeeper Andy Lonergan has revealed to Roker Report this evening that he has agreed an 18-month, permanent contract with Sunderland.
The rumour - which we brought to you first on Monday afternoon - re-surfaced again online today. It’s thought that the talks regarding a transfer have progressed well over the last few days, with only a few minor details left to resolve before the deal can go through.
Lonergan is out in Murcia, Spain as part of a warm weather training camp with Leeds at the moment, but will return back to England tomorrow in order to finalise his move to Wearside.
The experienced stopper - who has also spent time playing for Preston North End, Bolton and Wolves - was number one at Craven Cottage under Kit Symons, and it’s thought that his good relationship with the current Sunderland assistant manager has been a key factor in attracting the player to the club.
Though the deal has been agreed, Leeds are looking to recruit a replacement but, provided there are no further stumbling blocks on their end, the deal should go through in time for Lonergan to be involved in Tuesday’s squad that will travel for our relegation six-pointer at Birmingham City.
Quite what this means for Robbin Ruiter and Jason Steele is a mystery. Lonergan is a more experienced pair of hands than either man and comes in to provide competition in a position that sorely needs it, with neither of our current goalies covering themselves in much glory so far this season - though, since Coleman came in Ruiter has been his preferred choice, and has managed to keep five clean sheets.
Former Boavista stopper Mika Domingues left the club two weeks ago on a free transfer, which in turn led Poland U21 international Max Stryjek returning early from his loan spell with Accrington Stanley, but still Coleman would like to add to his squad.
Lonergan has not been able to dislodge Felix Wiedwald as first choice at Leeds this season, and as such has been allowed to speak with Sunderland in a bid to gain valuable game-time elsewhere.