NAZARIY Rusyn has lifted the lid on his imminent move to Sunderland, with the Ukrainian striker revealing that he's agreed personal terms with the Black Cats - but says the deal has not yet been finalised.

Sunderland and Rusyn's club Zorya Luhansk have been locked in negotiations for most of the summer, but appear to now be as close as they've ever been to reaching an agreement.

The striker hasn't yet had his Sunderland medical - which will take place once the deal between the club gets the green light - but says the terms of his contract have been agreed and the 24-year-old was planning to submit the necessary documents for the move to England on Tuesday.

Reports in Ukraine last week claimed Rusyn's move had been finalised, but the striker has now told the media in his homeland: "It is not true. How could I do this when I didn’t even pass the physical at this club? Therefore, I continue to be a Zorya player."

He did go on to reveal, however, that he expects to complete the Sunderland move this week ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.

He said: "Yes, as my agent Vadim Shabliy said, there is an agreement that I will legalise business relations with Sunderland for a period of four years with an extension for another season. This option suits me.

"On August 29, I have to submit the necessary documents for obtaining an English visa. I hope that soon all the formalities will be completed and it will be possible to gather in England."

READ MORE:

Rusyn, a former Ukraine Under-21 international, scored 13 goals in 30 outings for Zorya Luhansk last term, but has been left out of their squad in recent weeks amid the uncertainty over his future - while he's also been nursing a minor injury.

The striker has been studying Sunderland closely and believes he'll be a good fit for Tony Mowbray's side.

He said: "I recently subscribed to the Sunderland club account on Instagram and I have the opportunity to watch the matches of this team. I like the style they play. Now the main thing is to get rid of injury as soon as possible and be ready for a new challenge in my football career."

Mowbray has talked at length about his hope of bringing in a centre-forward ahead of Friday's deadline.

Jobe Bellingham has led the line for the Black Cats in the last two games.

Sunderland's frontline will also be strengthen by the return of Ross Stewart in the coming weeks, with Mowbray last week revealing the striker - who has been out of action since January after suffering a serious Achilles injury - could play in a training ground friendly game during the coming international break.