Sunderland set to end Rodwell’s City misery

Jack Rodwell could be heading for the exit at Manchester City (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland appeared a step closer to signing Manchester City’s Jack Rodwell after he was pictured at the club’s training ground on Monday.

The midfielder is surplus to requirements at City, where he has failed to make a mark during two injury-blighted seasons, and the Black Cats have not been deterred by a £10m asking price.

He was seen at Sunderland’s Academy of Light facility and a deal should go ahead once he passes a medical. The 23-year-old was regarded as a hot property when City signed him from Everton for £12m in August 2012.

However, he found the star-studded City dressing room an altogether tougher challenge and was not helped by fitness problems. Rodwell has started just seven Premier League matches during his time at City, scoring his only two goals during a 3-2 home defeat by Norwich. He won the last of his three England caps when he appeared as a substitute in the friendly against Brazil in 2013.

Sunderland’s manager, Gus Poyet, said last week he was looking for a box-to-box midfielder who can score goals and Rodwell fits that mould.