Sunderland have beaten Hearts in the race to sign striker Kyle Lafferty, according to a report in Scotland.
The Black Cats were competing with the Scottish Premiership for the signature of the free agent and Northern Ireland international and the news coming from north of the Border is that the 32-year-old agreed a deal on Wearside this afternoon.
Phil Parkinson had made attacking reinforcements his priority in the January transfer window and at his Press briefing yesterday he confirmed that Lafferty was one of his targets, adding: "Kyle is out of contract, so it is easy for me to talk about him.
"He's a player we have an interest in, as do several other clubs, and he is one of the strikers we are looking at."
The former Rangers, Norwich City, and Burnley, man is out of contract after leaving Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 at the end of their season in December.
Assuming Lafferty's arrival is confirmed, Parkinson is likely to want to bring in another striker before the end of the month.
Burton Albion's Liam Boyce is one of the frontmen he is considering, but suggestions of a reunion between Parkinson and Gateshead-born Gary Madine appear less likely.
Madine, who is a free agent after leaving Cardiff City, worked under Parkinson at Bolton Wanderers and the manager rates him highly.
But Madine's allegiance to Newcastle United could complicate matters - both for Sunderland when it comes to signing him, and for the player himself.
Parkinson is also looking to add a midfielder during the January transfer window.
Rochdale's Ollie Rathbone is one name that has been linked with the Black Cats, but it is understood that he is not an option that the Black Cats are actively pursuing.
