Sunderland Transfer News: Black Cats closing in on deals for Kongolo and Matete

And if both deals can be pushed through ahead of the 11pm transfer deadline, it is looking increasingly likely that Tom Flanagan and Lynden Gooch could be surprise departures from the Black Cats squad.

Kongolo is a 27-year-old Holland international who had spells with Feyenoord and Monaco prior to heading to English football with Huddersfield Town.

He played for the Terriers in the Premier League, and spent two years at the John Smith's Stadium before moving to Fulham.

He has had his injury issues with the Cottagers, and has made just one league appearance all season for the current Championship leaders.

Ipswich Town have also held discussions over Matete, but sources close to the talks claim the Suffolk club have admitted defeat in their pursuit of the 20-year-old before they are now convinced he is set to join Sunderland.

A powerful and athletic central-midfield presence, Lambeth-born Matete began his career in Reading's academy, but joined Fleetwood's youth set-up in 2019.

He made his Fleetwood debut in the EFL Trophy in the 2019-20 season, and broke into the club's leadgue side last season.

He has made 25 appearances in the current campaign, scoring two goals, but looks set to make a switch to Wearside ahead of this evening's 11pm deadline.

If both Kongolo and Matete arrive, there is a good chance that Flanagan and Gooch will be the players that make way to create space in the squad.

Like Aiden O'Brien, whose exit to Portsmouth was confirmed in the last half hour, both Flanagan and Gooch have entered the final six months of their current contracts.

Their exits would be a surprise given how influential they have been under Lee Johnson so far this season, but would nevertheless reflect sporting director Kristjaan Speakman's clear determination to reshape the squad.

Shrewsbury Town have been mentioned as a possible destination for both players.