Ferdinand close to Sunderland switch

(GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland were closing in on the signing of West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand today as he arrived on Wearside.

The England Under-21 international was set to undergo medical tests, with manager Roy Keane confident of landing a player who could cost Sunderland around £8m.

Keane said: "Anton is up today for a medical and we hope to get that tied up today."

Meanwhile Scottish defender Russell Anderson was poised to complete a season-long loan deal to Burnley today.

Ferdinand's arrival in the north-east is a reward for Keane's protracted pursuit as he attempts to complete his ninth summer signing.

The manager said: "I met him last week and it went well. He will be a good addition to our squad and it will keep people on their toes."

However, even if he does complete his move today, Ferdinand will not be involved in tomorrow night's Carling Cup second-round trip to Nottingham Forest and could also miss out on Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Stadium of Light.

Keane said: "He's had a slight hamstring strain, so it would be unfair to throw him straight in.

"There is an international break coming up, so it would give him a chance to train with us for two weeks."

That would mean Ferdinand perhaps making his debut at Wigan on September 13.

Meanwhile, Keane has confirmed that he has one remaining target and is confident that deal can also be wrapped up ahead of next Monday's deadline.