SUNDERLAND's Elliot Embleton is set to complete a loan move to Derby County.

The 24-year-old has been out of action since suffering a serious ankle injury last December and Sunderland chiefs have discussed the best course of action for the attacking midfielder at length over recent weeks.

In his press conference on Thursday, Tony Mowbray told of how he felt Embleton had something to offer and said the midfielder would feature against Southampton on Saturday.

But it now appears that Sunderland have had a rethink, with a loan to League One Derby expected to be finalised ahead of tonight's deadline.

Mowbray said yesterday: "We've had debates about Embo, whether we're going to send him out on loan because he has literally been out for eight months. My own view is that I can see him bringing something to this team.

"I've said to him that I don't see him starting straight away and if we sign another few strikers... let's see and reassess in January where we're at. I just think he's got qualities that this team could thrive off."

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Meanwhile, there are suggestions that Cardiff City could make a late move for Danny Batth.

The defender's future has been uncertain for most of the summer but after a move to Blackburn fell through, Batth looked set to stay.

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season.

According to fresh reports in France, Sunderland have agreed a deal with PSG to sign 20-year-old right-back Timothée Pembélé on a permanent deal.