Roker Roundup: Grant Leadbitter set for Sunderland medical - and could sign as early as today

Leadbitter closes on return

Sunderland are keen on bringing Grant Leadbitter back to the Stadium of Light before next week’s transfer deadline.

Sky Sports report that the club are in talks with Middlesbrough over a permanent move for the academy product, with Leadbitter happy to take a substantial paycut to return to his boyhood club.

Boro’s club captain was a regular for the side last season but has been a bit part player this, only making an appearance in the Championship in Middlesbrough’s first two league games of the season.

Rumours suggest that the player is due at the Academy of Light later today to complete the second part of his medical before inking an 18-month deal.

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Former duo score on debuts

Jermain Defoe scored just 12 minutes into his debut for Scottish Premiership side Rangers but it was not enough to clinch victory as Kilmarnock came back to win 2-1.

Defoe, as usual, was in the right place at the right time after a goalmouth scramble to put Steven Gerrard’s side ahead but Eamonn Brophy equalised just 10 minutes later.

Former Sunderland target Jordan Jones signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers earlier this month, he was in no mood to be charitable to his future employers though as he scored the second half winner.

Academy product Andrew Nelson scored on his full debut for Dundee during their 2-1 win at Hearts.

Genseric Kusunga opened the scoring for the visitors, playing a fantastic one-two with Nelson before smashing the ball past Colin Doyle. Hearts equalised through Olly Lee’s deflected free kick but Nelson won it for Dundee with a clinical second half finish.

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