The Black Cats are expected to seal the £8m capture of the West Ham centre-back today.

Nosworthy and Danny Collins have performed well in the opening two games of the campaign at the heart of the defence.

And Nosworthy welcomes any new additions in the closing days of the transfer window.

He said: "We did well last season and when you look at the quality of the players the gaffer has brought in this summer already, they can only strengthen the team.

"Signing another defender would be a good thing because there is strength in numbers, and with Jonny Evans going back to Manchester United at the end of last season we need more competition, and the manager knows that.

"The only way for the club to progress is if there are fresh faces coming in to increase competition here."

Collins spent most of last season at left-back, but he and Nosworthy have thrived as a central defensive partnership.

Both will aim to make it very hard for Ferdinand to break into the team – regardless of his fee.

Nosworthy added: "I'm very happy to have started the season at centre-back but I won't get complacent.

"I'm in the side but it is up to me to stay there and the only way to do that is by performing well, week-in and week-out.

"I've got no problem doing that – I like getting my hands dirty.

"If the manager does bring in another central defender then it will increase competition and I relish that. I won't give up my place without a fight."

A centre-back and left-back remain the final positions Sunderland boss Roy Keane is eager to improve before the transfer window closes.

And if those additions arrive, Stoke could press hard for the return of former skipper Danny Higginbotham.

Higginbotham has said he does not want to leave.