.jpg)
Sunderland
are expected to tie up a deal for Chelsea left-back Patrick van Aanholt this
weekend.
The 23-year-old has made just eight first-team appearances for the Blues
since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in 2007 and is entering the last 12 months
of his contract.
Van Aanholt has been sent on loan to no fewer than five clubs and is
determined to quit Stamford Bridge this summer, stating: "Where will I play
next season? I don't know yet. It definitely won't be at Chelsea. I am done
here."
Sunderland appear set to win the chase for the Dutch international having so
far failed to prise last season's loan star Marcos Alonso away from
Fiorentina on a permanent basis.
Manager Gus Poyet has already completed the Bosman signings of Billy Jones,
Costel Pantilimon and Jordi Gomez for next term but remains keen to continue
increasing his defensive options.