Sunderland are on the verge of capturing Stoke skipper Danny Higginbotham after Roy Keane revived his interest in the defender at the weekend.

Keane saw a £2million offer rejected by the Potters over the summer and went on to sign Russell Anderson and Paul McShane, suggesting he had given up on Higginbotham.

However, after seeing his side thrashed 3-0 by Wigan at the weekend and Manchester United's reluctance to sell Jonny Evans, Keane has lined up a fresh bid of around £2.5million for the 28-year-old.

Stoke's recent captures of defenders Richie de Laet and Jody Craddock - and Higginbotham's absence from Saturday's 2-1 win over Charlton - has led to a feeling of inevitability over his move to Wearside.

After the Potters rejected Sunderland's original bid for Higginbotham, the former Derby and Southampton star warned the club to prove their ambition by offering him a bumper contract.

However, he rejected City's opening offer last week and is now expected to move to the Stadium of Light in the next couple of days.