Sunderland are close to pushing through a deal to take experienced defender Kenny Cunningham to the Stadium of Light.

It is understood the 35-year-old former Republic of Ireland captain, who was released by relegated Birmingham at the end of last season, could join the Black Cats on a free transfer later this week.

Cunningham would be the club's first signing of the summer with the start of the new Coca-Cola Championship campaign less than four weeks away.

He left St Andrews launching a stinging attack on the club after being released by Steve Bruce.

The Dubliner would effectively replace Gary Breen, who was told his services were no longer required at the end of the last campaign.

Cunningham's prospective arrival comes as chairman elect Niall Quinn searches for a new manager with his £10million takeover bid now on the table.

He revealed last week he would not be making signings before Mick McCarthy's successor was in place, and was keen to allow the newcomer to build his own
team.

However, the swoop suggests he knows Cunningham well enough to be confident he can do a job — the pair are former international team-mates — or that his hunt for the right man is nearing its conclusion and the next manager has already had a say.

The club's fans have been awaiting news on that front for a week since Quinn formally tabled his consortium's bid.

He has promised to appoint a man who is passionate about the challenge of restoring the club's fortunes with Martin O'Neill, Alex McLeish and Alan Curbishley among the bookmakers' favourites.

In related news, the Eircom League has announced that Sunderland will be travelling to Dublin to meet Shelbourne in a friendly at Tolka Park on Monday 24 July. Kick-off time is 8 pm.