LEE CATTERMOLE will be offered the opportunity to join Sheffield Wednesday after dramatically ending his ten-year association with Sunderland.

Cattermole, who had one year of his Stadium of Light contract remaining, has reached an agreement with Sunderland officials that sees him leave the club with immediate effect.

The arrangement is set to be mutually beneficial to both parties, with Cattermole now able to strike a deal with new employers.

Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been pushing to sign him at Sheffield Wednesday, but Cattermole’s contractual position on Wearside meant the Owls were struggling to afford the 31-year-old. Negotiations should be simpler now that the Stockton-born midfielder is no longer employed by the Black Cats.

Sunderland have lost an influential midfielder who was a key part of Jack Ross’ first-team plans last season, but have made a significant saving on their wage bill over the next 12 months.

Cattermole’s wages dropped in the wake of relegation to the Championship, but did not reduce further when Sunderland were relegated to League One. The Teessider was earning around £35,000-a-week last season, and was one of the Black Cats’ highest-paid players.

His relationship with Sunderland supporters waxed and waned over his time on Wearside, but he leaves the club as an extremely popular figure. There have been suggestions that he could be awarded a testimonial to mark his contribution, and that remains a possibility despite yesterday’s developments.

Having graduated through Middlesbrough’s academy and also played for Wigan, Cattermole joined Sunderland in a £6m move in 2009. He was awarded the club captaincy by Bruce, and went on to make 261 starts in all competitions, scoring ten goals.

He had one of his most productive seasons in front of goal last term, ending his long wait for a success at the Stadium of Light and finding the net seven times as Sunderland missed out on promotion in heart-breaking fashion by losing in the play-off final.

The announcement of his departure came out of the blue, but he will not be short of suitors as he plans his next move. Sheffield Wednesday is by far his likeliest destination, but a number of other Championship clubs also expressed an interest in signing him last season.

“Sunderland is a special club, and this decision has not been easy, but I believe it is the right time to find a new challenge,” said Cattermole, in a statement released in conjunction with the club. “The football club, over my ten years, has had some fantastic managers, staff and players and I have been lucky to be part of that.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Jack Ross and his staff, and I wish him and the current squad all the best for the coming season. There are some exciting young players at the club and I will be looking forward to seeing them progress.

“And finally, and most importantly, the fans. You are what makes the club special and your passion and commitment is something that has always inspired me throughout my career at Sunderland and will continue to inspire the team. Thank you.”

It remains to be seen whether Jack Ross looks to sign a direct replacement, with Grant Leadbitter having arrived from Middlesbrough halfway through last season.

Ross completed his first signing of the summer yesterday afternoon, with free agent Conor McLaughlin signing a two-year deal following his release from Millwall.

A Northern Ireland international with 34 senior caps, McLaughlin has made more than 230 senior appearances in English football.

He began his career at Preston before joining Fleetwood Town in 2012, and went on to make more than 160 appearances in five years at Highbury Stadium.

He joined Millwall on a two-year deal in 2017, but struggled to make much of an impression under Neil Harris last season.

“I am delighted to be able to bring Conor to the club,” said Sunderland boss Jack Ross. “He brings quality and experience to a position that was of high priority for us to have options in. I look forward to working with him over the course of the season.”

Ross was determined to strengthen his options at right-back this summer, with Adam Matthews having left when his contract expired earlier this summer.

Luke O’Nien was Sunderland’s first-choice right-back for most of last season despite having arrived at the club as a central midfielder, but Ross was keen to acquire a natural alternative for the role.

Donald Love has spent most of his career playing at right-back, but the former Manchester United youngsters has suffered a succession of injuries and managed just four league starts in the whole of last season.

McLaughlin will hope to make much more of an impact, and will attempt to push his claims for a first-team starting spot during the forthcoming pre-season programme.

Meanwhile, Sunderland will complete their pre-season schedule with a home game against Dutch side Heerenveen on Saturday, July 27 (7pm).

The game at the Stadium of Light is scheduled for the weekend before the start of the new League One season, and will take place on the same day as the popular Sunderland International Airshow.