Sunderland are set to sign Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde

Leo Hjelde, a January transfer target for Sunderland, is expected to arrive from Leeds United.

The left-sided defender will give Michael Beale more alternatives in a position

where the Black Cats are depleted following a run of injuries.

Assuming no unforeseen circumstances arise, Hjelde should complete his

transfer to Sunderland within the next 24 hours, having reached an agreement with the clubs.

Hjelde was supposed to come on loan, but it looks like the agreement is permanent now.

The 20-year-old has appeared for Leeds in eight first team games, but he isn’t in Daniel Farke’s current squad and hasn’t participated in a Championship match since the season’s opening match.

Although he has spent much of his football career playing left back, the Norway Under-21 international is as at ease at left center-half.

He made 13 appearances while on loan at Rotherham United during the second part of the previous campaign.

Hjelde’s arrival will be a major victory for Sunderland, who made acquiring a

left-sided defender their top priority following the injuries to Dennis Cirkin,

Aji Alese, and Niall Huggins. Trai Hume had to switch to the right and fill in as

left-back in the absence of a fit and recognized left-back.

The Black Cats are still looking to add a striker this week; according to recent

sources, Sunderland, Ipswich, and Cardiff are all vying for Kieffer Moore of Bournemouth.

Sunderland are also assessing their options in midfield and may look to bring in another attacking midfielder if Alex Pritchard gets his