Sunderland are set to sign Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde

The left-sided defender will bolster Michael Beale's options in an area where the Black Cats are short after a string of injury setbacks.

A deal between the clubs has been agreed and, barring any late hitches, Hjelde is expected to finalise his move to Sunderland in the next 24 hours.

Initial reports suggested Hjelde would be joining on loan, but it now appears the deal will be permanent.

The 20-year-old has made eight first team appearances for Leeds but doesn't feature in current boss Daniel Farke's plans and hasn't played in the Championship since starting the first game of the season.

The Norway Under-21 international has played most of his football at left-back but is also comfortable at left centre-half.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Rotherham United, where he made 13 appearances.

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The arrival of Hjelde will be a big box ticked for Sunderland, who prioritised the capture of a left sided defender after Niall Huggins, Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin all suffered injuries. Without a fit recognised left-back, Trai Hume has had to switch from the right and deputise.

The Black Cats are still in the market for a striker this week, with fresh reports today claiming it's now a three-way race between Sunderland, Ipswich and Cardiff to sign Bournemouth's Kieffer Moore.

Sunderland are also assessing their options in midfield and may look to bring in another attacking midfielder if Alex Pritchard gets his wish and moves before Thursday's deadline.