THOMAS SORENSEN is expected to become the first big name departure at Sunderland this week when he finally seals a move to Aston Villa.

The Danish goalkeeper, who was missing for the Wearsiders' 1-1 draw at Grimsby Town on Saturday, has been a target of Villans boss David O'Leary ever since he took over the reins from Graham Taylor in May.

And Northern Echo SPORT understands that Sorensen will complete a switch, believed to be worth in the region of £3m, to Villa Park within the next five days after holding lengthy talks with O'Leary.

The deal will come as a massive relief to Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy, who has been desperate to sell on a number of his prize assets.

McCarthy still hopes to offload Gavin McCann, Kevin Phillips and Tore Andre Flo but the Black Cats chief will feel relieved that progress is finally being made in the transfer market - with Michael Gray thought to have attracted fresh interest from Fulham.

Once the deal to sell Sorensen is concluded, McCarthy's first action will be to complete the permanent signing of Jeff Whitley.

The former Manchester City star has been training with the Sunderland squad and has already played in the centre of midfield during pre-season friendlies.

But Whitley, who is keen to join the Stadium of Light outfit, has had to bide his time until cash-strapped Sunderland are in a position to offer him a contract, which now looks to be sooner rather than later. The man most likely to take over from Sorensen as Sunderland's first choice goalkeeper next season has signalled his intention to prove he is worth his place.

Mart Poom made a couple of fine saves to deny Grimsby a winner at Blundell Park on Saturday, but he could do nothing to prevent debutant Iain Anderson's headed equaliser on 69 minutes.

But Poom, a January buy from Derby County, is not allowing the speculation surrounding Sorensen's future to distract him from focusing on his own displays.

"I can't take anything for granted, so I can't think that he won't be here so I'm first choice," said Poom. "I'm working hard in pre-season, hopefully stay fit, and then we'll take it from there. I have to take my chance when the season starts and then it's up to me to do well in the games.

"I want to start the season as number one but it's a very tough task. Tommy Sorensen is still here at the moment and he has been number one here for ages.

"Michael Ingham is also doing well and he should be pushing for a place and Thomas Myhre is coming back from injury. I think every keeper wants to play and I'm no different."

Sunderland - who were again without Sorensen, Phillips and McCann - did have Tore Andre Flo in the starting line-up at Grimsby.

The gangly Norwegian striker did try to have an impact on proceedings and he went close on a couple of occasions in the first half. And it was flop Flo who was brought down in the penalty area five minutes after the restart and the referee pointed to the spot. Michael Proctor struck the ball powerfully into the keeper Andy Pettinger's right-hand corner.

After that the usual influx of substitutes in friendlies took the pace off the match and Second Division Grimsby deserved to score the equaliser through Anderson on 69 minutes after a pin-point cross from Jonathan Rowan.

It was the first goal Sunderland have conceded during pre-season and the first match - after a 4-0 victory at Durham City and 5-0 success at York City - McCarthy's men have failed to win this summer.

And, although happy with getting 90 minutes under his belt, Poom believes Sunderland should have finished the match on top.

"Every game is a good work out in pre-season but I think we can count ourselves disappointed not to beat Grimsby because we created enough chances," said the Estonian.

"But pre-season is mainly about fitness and it's about working on shape and tactics."

Sunderland: Poom; Ramsden (Scott 79), McCartney (Butler 64), Bjorklund, Babb (Clark 65); Piper, Thirlwell, James; Flo (Brown 74), Proctor. Subs (not used): Ingham, Collins, Dickman.

Result: Grimsby Town 1 Sunderland 1.

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