Middlesbrough set to sign Sunderland's Alan Browne on loan

Browne has been made available by the Black Cats this summer after their influx of summer arrivals, and Boro have moved to sign the 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international on a season-long loan deal.

Browne has vast Championship experience, having played more than 300 times for Preston, where he was captain, before joining Sunderland last season.

His first campaign on Wearside was disrupted by an unfortunate injury in November, but he still made 13 starts and played in 22 Championship games for Regis Le Bris' promotion winners.

Le Bris appreciated what Browne offered Sunderland on and off the pitch, and his experience and leadership is one of the attributes that appealed to Boro.

Boro have sanctioned Law McCabe's loan move to Plymouth which was completed earlier today, while Dan Barlaser will also be allowed to leave if an opportunity presents itself ahead of tonight's deadline.

But the Browne deal isn't dependant on Barlaser's situation.

Sunderland have signed Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra this summer, and also have the likes of Dan Neil, Chris Rigg and Enzo Lee battling for places in midfield.