Kevin Kilbane is on the verge of joining Sunderland for a fee that is believed to be around Stg £2.5 million according to West Bromwich Albion manager Brian Little.

The Republic of Ireland international will have talks at the Stadium of Light this morning.

Little said: "We are losing a quality player. But I understand the circumstances. I am sure that it will come off and we wish him well."

Kilbane (22) has been linked with a move to Sunderland for the past week since Peter Reid watched him in action during last week's match at Crewe.

Kilbane was withdrawn from the Albion side that played at Grimsby last night. Kilbane moved to the Hawthorns in a £1.25 million deal from Preston in 1997.

The sale would also be a record for Albion, eclipsing the £1.5 million that Manchester United paid for Bryan Robson in 1981. Meanwhile, Manchester United winger Jesper Bloomqvist has been ruled out of action until March after being told yesterday that he needs a second operation on his knee.

Bloomqvist damaged his knee on the pre-season tour of Australia.