Brighton in talks with Sunderland goalkeeper as Jack Ross closes in on first signing

The Black Cats have agreed a deal that would see the 27-year-old leave the club one year after signing a four-year-deal.

Sunderland’s summer business is expected to start in earnest this week with a number of incomings and outgoings.

A bid from Middlesbrough for Paddy McNair has been accepted, with the 23-year-old telling the Black Cats that he saw his future elsewhere after successive relegations.

Steele endured a difficult season after signing from Blackburn Rovers last summer, but did make a successful return to the team towards the end of the campaign.

He came close to a January exit when Derby County made a loan offer for his services, but the deal was abandoned when the Rams changed the terms close to the deadline closing.

He is now in talks with the a top tier club and should that go well, he could seal a move this week.

After Lee Camp returned to Cardiff City, it will leave Robbin Ruiter as the club’s senior goalkeeper, with reinforcements at some stage in the summer certain.

Brighton are in the market for two goalkeepers, with Steele believed to be one of those.

Seagulls boss Chris Hughton is looking for reinforcements after both Tim Krul, the former Newcastle and Holland keeper, and Niki Maenpaa were released at the end of last season.

Steele will act as cover for Australian Mat Ryan, who impressed last season and is currently playing for his nation at the world cup in Russia.

The Black Cats are closing in on four deals, with two strikers, a central midfielder and a central defender believed to be in negotiations. 

Progress has been made in the last 24 hours on three of those and one player is set for a medical in the coming days. 

Owner Stewart Donald told supporters on Monday that up to five players could leave this week, with a similar number ‘possibly’ coming in.

Donald wrote on Twitter: “3/4/5 players may leave this week with a similar number possibly coming in.

“It is busy and we are on it. I will update the fans Thursday and answer any questions asked.”

l New Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton has snapped up experienced Wigan centre-back Craig Morgan on a two-year contract for the coming League Two challenge.

The 33-year-gold former Peterborough, MK Dons and Wrexham defender is Barton’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Eddie Clarke from Tranmere and midfielder Jason Holt, on loan from Rangers.

l League One Walsall have landed freed Wrexham goalkeeper Chris Dunn, 30, on a one-year deal.