Sunderland on the verge of signing Cole

Keane said: “I met with Andy on Monday in Manchester and he has agreed to come here for a season.

“He’s having a medical today and his experience on the field will be vital.

“A lot of our players are lacking experience in the Premier League. That hasn’t really been an issue to me but if a player like Andy is available and he fancies coming to us, he’s certainly a player we have to consider.

“Hopefully he’ll come through the medical today with flying colours and he will train with us next week.”