Sunderland look set to complete the signing of Anton Ferdinand from West Ham United on Tuesday, with it understood that the central-defender is in the North East to undergo a medical before completing his move to the Stadium of Light, according to reports.

23-year-old Ferdinand has been linked with a move to the Black Cats all summer, with Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also said to be interested in the former England Under-21 International. However, it now appears that Ferdinand will leave Upton Park for Roy Keane’s team in a deal that is believed to be in the region of £8million.

Meanwhile, Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has moved to quash reports that Welsh International Craig Bellamy is in talks with Manchester City. Following concerns from Curbishley that the West Ham board had agreed a fee for another player without his knowledge. With Curbishley insiting that Bellamy was in training with the rest of the Irons squad and not in Manchester holding talks with City.

Curbishley told Sky Sports: "It is nonsense. I don't think anybody else will be going. Craig Bellamy is in full training today.”

Hammers Chief executive Scott Duxbury echoed that sentiment, while maintaining that Bellamy was a vital part of the West Ham squad.

Duxbury told the club's website: “West Ham United have absolutely no intention of selling Craig Bellamy.”

“He is under contract and is committed to the club. Craig remains a very important part of our plans for the future.

“The club is being run on sound football and business principles in order to develop a squad which can deliver success this season. No player would be bought or sold unless that helped to achieve that aim.

“We are not interested in selling players who are committed to the club and essential to our first-team squad.”