Sunderland AFC news: Swap deal for Swansea's Andre Ayew, departures continue

The Black Cats saw a concrete bid for Ayew rejected by Swansea earlier this week after the Ghana international has impressed for the Welsh club since arriving on a Bosman move from Marseille last summer.

But there have been reports in both Wales and France that Sunderland are ready to offer one of their players in a part-exchange deal for Ayew.

However, Swansea remain adamant that Ayew will not be sold this month, as they battle to remain in the Premier League.

One player who Sunderland have allowed to depart is goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon and the Romanian has been talking about his move to Watford.

Pantilimon penned a three-and-a-half year deal with the Hornets after falling to third choice stopper during his final month at Sunderland.

“I found out a few days ago and I thought it was the best option for me to come here," said Pantilimon.

Striker Danny Graham has also completed his Sunderland exit, with the ex-Swansea man joining Blackburn on loan until the end of the season.

That effectively signals the end of Graham's career at the Stadium of Light, with his Sunderland contract expiring this summer.