SUNDERLAND are close to completing the signing of Everton defender Joe Anderson.

The Black Cats have been talking to the Everton hierarchy about a possible return for striker Ellis Simms, but while those discussions remain ongoing, an agreement has been reached over Anderson.

The 21-year-old centre-half has agreed to move to Wearside, with the transfer expected to be a permanent deal, and is set to have a medical at the Academy of Light in the next 24 hours.

Anderson, who can also play on the left-hand side of the back four, has been in Everton’s academy system since the joining the club as a 15-year-old.

He signed his first professional contract with the Toffees in 2019, and has been a regular with the club’s Under-23s.

He signed a new deal last summer, committing him to Goodison Park until the summer of 2024, and has made four appearances for Everton Under-21s in this season’s Papa John’s Trophy.

He will provide additional defensive cover with Sunderland, with Black Cats head coach Tony Mowbray having spoken about a potential concern over defensive options last week.

Anderson’s arrival on a permanent basis could also result in Bailey Wright departing before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night, with the Australian having been linked with possible moves to Hibernian and Aberdeen as well as a potential switch to Portsmouth.

Wright was absent from the Sunderland squad for yesterday’s FA Cup fourth-round draw with Fulham after suffering a calf strain in training on Friday.