Sunderland confident of beating Rangers and Aberdeen to sign Dylan McGeouch

The Black Cats have held talks with the 25-year-old, who is out of contract at Hibernian, as they look to make him their fifth signing of the summer.

A deal has moved closer this week. McGeouch does have a number of options, including Aberdeen and a new deal at former club Hibernian, while Rangers and Coventry have been linked with the Scotland international.

However, he held talks on Wearside last week and is keen on the idea of a move south of the border.

Sunderland boss Jack Ross has a relatively well stocked midfield in comparison to others areas of his squad, but a replacement for Paddy McNair is required. There are also major doubts over the futures of Didier Ndong, Lee Cattermole and George Honeyman.

One of the best players in the Scottish Premiership last season, McGeouch’s arrival would be a coup for the Black Cats and it now seems increasingly likely that they will land him.