DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM has been granted permission to travel to Wearside for talks after Sunderland agreed a £2.5m fee with Stoke City.

Higginbotham, a former team-mate of manager Roy Keane's during the defender's early days at Manchester United, could eventually cost £3m depending on appearances.

The 28-year-old has already been the subject of two bids from Sunderland, the latest included versatile Welshman Danny Collins.

However, with Collins not now thought to be part of the agreement, Higginbotham has finally gained his wish of discussing terms with the Black Cats.

"It was made clear to Danny that we very much wanted him to stay and he was made two contract offers, the last one being a new four-year contract," read a statement issued by Stoke today.

"As a result of this, the club has this morning given the player permission to speak with Sunderland following a receipt of a third offer from Sunderland.

"This offer amounts to a guaranteed £2.5m, along with an additional further £500,000 dependant on performance."

Collins will stay in Keane's squad, although it remains to be seen whether he will be sold before the midnight deadline on Friday.

Keane is also hopeful of landing Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones.