George next to go?

West Ham are reportedly close to signing Sunderland left-back George McCartney.

The Northern Irish international is out for 3 months due to a medial ligament injury, however that has not stopped West Ham agreeing a deal with Sunderland for the full back.

It is believed that during discussions for West Ham defender Clive Clarke, who Sunderland are on the verge of signing, Niall Quinn was asked about the availability of McCartney, and the manager was receptive to Alan Pardew’s advances.

It is thought that the delay to any deal for Clarke is down to extended discussions with West Ham over Sunderland’s left back, who is set to have a medical in London next week.

Should McCartney leave it will be a surprise sale, given McCartney’s popularity with the Sunderland crowd over the years. However recently he has had several injury problems and it may be with this in mind that Quinn is ready to sell, seeing Clarke as a direct replacement.