Sunderland Reach Ferdinand Deal

Anton Ferdinand is a massive step closer to leaving Upton Park after West Ham announced that they have agreed to sell him to Sunderland for a fee believed to be in the region of £8million.

Black Cats boss Roy Keane intensified his efforts for the 23-year-old defender in recent weeks, and it now appears that his charm offensive has paid dividends.

"The board have accepted the bid," Hammers chief Alan Curbishley revealed to the BBC.

"Anton has not renegotiated his contract, and the decision was taken out of my hands.

"I don't know where Anton is in terms of signing for Sunderland but once the club accept the bid, it moves on."

The Black Cats have been among England's biggest spenders during the summer, as they attempt to lift themselves above the relegation scrap.

Manager Roy Keane had already drafted in the likes of El-Hadji Diouf, Pascal Chimbonda, Teemu Tainio and Steed Malbranque before completing the signings of Djibril Cisse and David Healy yesterday.

will be a very good addition to the black cats
Ferdinand is a very good defender and he used to be very good at West Ham.
Sunderland are havin a very good start at the new season and doin very good in the market as well.

Ferdinand, the younger brother of Manchester United and England defender Rio, agreed a four-year deal with the Premier League club and becomes Roy Keane's ninth signing since the end of last season.

"We needed to strengthen our defence and Anton is a great signing," Sunderland manager Roy Keane told his club's website.

"He'll bring quality and competition for places which is what we want, hopefully we can take him to another level here at Sunderland.

"He has come through the ranks at West ham and maybe just needs a change."

England Under-21 centre-back Ferdinand admitted it was a tough decision to leave Upton Park after spending so long at the London club.

"It was hard leaving West Ham because I have been there for 16 years but after meeting Roy Keane I knew it was time for a change," Ferdinand said.

"This is a great challenge for me and I feel it is an exciting time at Sunderland. I think the move will do me good."