Midfielder set for departure…

Republic of Ireland international Rory Delap is close to agreeing a loan move to Stoke.

The versatile player was signed last season by Mick McCarthy and was one of Sunderland’s better performers in their dissapointing Premiership campaign, a 30 yard strike away at Everton his highlight.

And while he played in Roy Keane’s first matches as manager, in the right back position, he has since not been involved in the first team squad and Keane seems prepared to let him leave on a temporary basis for the time being.

With new signings Arnau Riera, Graham Kavanagh and Liam Miller adding to the already swelling midfield ranks, Delap would find it difficult to fight his way into the side, especially after it became clear that Keane did not rate him at full back.

After the capture of Lee Hendrie from Aston Villa, Stoke boss Tony Pulis is hoping to add further midfield experience to his squad and is set to make a loan bid for Delap over the weekend.