Sunderland close in on Graham

Sunderland are in talks to sign Danny Graham from Swansea City for 4.5 million pounds, according to a report.

Goal.com report Martin O’Neill has targeted the striker to take some of the goalscoring pressure off Steven Fletcher at the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle United, Norwich City and Reading are also challengers for Graham’s signature but Sunderland are believed to be the frontrunners.

The deal to take the 27-year-old back to his native north-east has progressed in the last 24 hours and Sunderland are confident of signing him this month.

Swansea have placed a five-million pound valuation on Graham but a fee is likely to be agreed at around the 4.5-million pound mark.

Graham has been pushed down the Swansea pecking order following the arrival of Michu, who has made a huge impact at the club.

Although the former Watford forward has scored four goals in his past four games, he is understood to have a poor relationship with Michael Laudrup and wants to leave the club.

Swansea have targeted Kenwyne Jones of Stoke City as a replacement for Graham.