NORTHERN Ireland midfielder Corry Evans is understood to be on Wearside for a medical ahead of a permanent move to Sunderland. 

The 30-year-old is currently out of contract after being released by Blackburn Rovers ending an eight year association with the club. He made over 200 appearances for the Lancashire side.

According to reports, Evans is set to sign a two-year deal with the club and is having a medical later today. 

Evans should become signing number two at Sunderland following the arrival of former Huddersfield Town attacking midfielder Alex Pritchard last week. 

He started out his career coming through the ranks at Manchester United. He gained first team experience with loan spells at Carlisle United and Hull City before signing permanently for the Tigers in 2011. 

From there he spent two years with them in the Championship before being persuaded by Gary Bowyer to come to Blackburn Rovers.

Having played in the Championship for a number of years, Evans is a seasoned international with Northern Ireland having made over 65 caps for his country.

The move to Sunderland would represent another player dropping down from Championship level to League One as they look to mount another promotion push this season in Lee Johnson's first full season in charge of the Black Cats.