SUNDERLAND are set to complete the signing of defender Jack Baldwin and midfielder Luke O’Nien in the next 24 hours.
Baldwin is making a £200,000 switch from Peterborough United, and has been at Sunderland’s Academy of Light training ground this afternoon completing a medical and finalising personal terms.
The 25-year-old has also been interesting Sheffield Wednesday this summer, but has opted to return to the North-East after starting his career with Hartlepool United.
He spent three years on Pools’ books, making 77 league starts, before joining Peterborough in a £500,000 move in January 2014.
He has spent the last four-and-a-half years with Posh, and will become Sunderland’s fourth defensive signing of the summer when his transfer is confirmed, joining Tom Flanagan, Alim Ozturk and Glen Loovens.
O’Nien is joining Sunderland from Wycombe Wanderers, with Sunderland having agreed a fee for the midfielder in the last 24 hours.
The 23-year-old, who claimed nine goals and four assists in League Two last season, had entered the final year of his contract at Adams Park.
Luton Town had also held talks with Wycombe officials, but O’Nien has agreed to move to Wearside and is set to complete a medical tomorrow.
Wycombe chairman Trevor Stroud said: “This is one of the toughest decisions we’ve had to make as a football club board in recent times, but ultimately the sustainability of the club under supporter ownership is our number one priority and the reality of our situation is that we need to rely on football fortune – player sales and cup runs – to achieve our break-even model
“As chairman, with the board’s support, I had to make the decision for the club and it needs to be said this would not have been the manager’s choice from a footballing perspective.
“Luke has been a fantastic ambassador for the club on and off the field and we’re sorry to see him go, but he has an exciting adventure ahead of him at undoubtedly the biggest club in League One and we wish him all the best for the future.”
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