Sunderland have agreed a fee with Leeds United for Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane.
The club will open talks with the 21-year-old over personal terms before the deal is completed.
Keane scored three goals in the Republic of Ireland's run to the second round of the World Cup, when they were defeated by Spain.
Leeds paid £12 million for Keane when they signed him from Inter Milan last summer.
Neither Sunderland or Leeds have disclosed the transfer fee involved.
Keane starred at the World Cup finals but struggled for first-team football following the arrival of Robbie Fowler at Elland Road last November.
Sunderland have been seeking a new striker to replace Niall Quinn, whose playing time in recent seasons has been limited by a back injury, while Kevin Phillips has been the subject of offers from other clubs.