Sunderland closing in on season-long loan deals for Everton youngsters Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway
New boss Simon Grayson looks to secure double deal of Toffees' defensive duo to save sinking Black Cats
NEW Sunderland boss Simon Grayson has edged closer to signing a double deal for Merseyside defenders Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning.
The young duo have reportedly made their way to Wearside for medicals, so the Black Cats will be hoping they put pen to paper soon to secure their first signings of the summer.
Galloway was gifted his time to shine for The Toffees when Leighton Baines picked up an injury, and he proved himself to be an apt replacement.
The 21-year-old spent a season on loan at West Brom, but he only made a total of five appearances and returned to Goodison Park prematurely.
The defender has been capped for England at U17, U18, U19 and U21 level - despite being contacted by Zimbabwe officials last season about a position within their international side.
Galloway chose to stay within the England set-up.
Browning is a right-back, but he has also proved his competence at centre-back on several occasions.
The 23-year-old played under the management of Grayson at Preston North End last season, with the new Black Cats boss ready to reunite with the youngster.
He has also been capped by England at U17, U19 and U20 level.
Grayson was appointed as David Moyes' replacement on a three-year deal following the club's relegation from the Premier League last season.
Jermain Defoe and Jordan Pickford have left the Sunderland squad and a handful of players are out of contract - so it is crucial that Grayson can complete a number of summer signings.
The squad are currently at a pre-season training camp in Austria, with Adnan Januzaj, Jason Denayer and Javier Manquillo returning to their parent clubs following loan spells.