EMERSON THOME'S departure from Sunderland is imminent after Bolton boss Sam Allardyce admitted he is poised to push through a deal for the Brazilian defender by the end of the week.

Thome was told at the end of last season following relegation that he could leave the Stadium of Light on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old centre-back joined Rangers on trial last month and was bitterly disappointed when manager Alex McLeish decided again offering him terms.

But Allardyce is desperate to shore up his porous defence after Saturday's 4-0 drubbing by Manchester United at Old Trafford and will set up urgent talks with Thome.

As the transfer deadline looms, former Sunderland skipper Allardyce admits: "We haven't got long left.

"August 31 is very close, so I would be wanting to get him in by the middle or end of this week. I don't want any mad dash or panic in the final week.''

Meanwhile, midfielder Colin Healy is eyeing his Sunderland debut at Preston on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland international, who signed last week after being freed by Celtic, is lacking fitness following a summer of inactivity.

But the 23-year-old feels a few more days' training will be enough to put him in the frame for a game that has suddenly taken on added significance.

The Black Cats have made a disastrous start to their First Division programme, with defeats by Nottingham Forest and Millwall leaving them only one setback short of equalling Darwen's 104-year-old record of 18 successive League losses.

But Healy remains defiant, insisting: "The aim is still promotion.

"I've had a frustrating year, but I want to put it behind me. That means being successful with Sunderland and there are a lot of good players here.

"I watched them on TV a lot last season and nothing went their way.

"I've trained hard over the last few days and I feel really good. If I get another few days of intensive training and maybe a practice match, I think I'll be ready, but it's up to the manager whether he plays me or not.

"My last competitive match was for Ireland against Georgia in June. Don't forget, while everyone else was playing in pre-season, I was sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring.

"But I'm delighted to be here and it's a great move for me.''

Healy played under Mick McCarthy when the Sunderland boss was in charge of the Republic.

"I know the manager and a few of the lads, but the clincher for me was the chance to play first-team football,'' said Healy. "That's something I didn't get last season.''

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