Goalkeeper Lonergan quits Leeds for Sunderland

Lonergan is set to take up an 18-month deal with the Wearside club after asking to leave for the Stadium of Light and secure regular football.

The 34-year-old is six months into the two-year deal he signed after moving to Elland Road from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August but he has played just nine times this season, acting as second-choice to Felix Wiedwald.

Sunderland, who are fighting relegation from the Championship, made an approach for Lonergan last week and have agreed personal terms with the former Preston North End trainee.

Lonergan sat on the bench during tonight’s 0-0 draw between Hull City and Leeds at the KCOM Stadium but is set to undergo a medical with Sunderland tomorrow morning.

Christiansen said: “He will go. The thing is that Andy asked us about it because it’s a big opportunity for him to extend his career - a good contract he can get.”

United were expected to seek a replacement if Lonergan quit Elland Road but Christiansen admitted that he was likely to rely on Under-23 keepers Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Kamil Miazek to provide cover for Wiedwald.

“I believe the young goalkeepers we have in the academy can make the same place as he did,” Christiansen said. “We still have the loan emergency (special dispensation from the Football League) in case something happens.”