Everton striker Nathan Broadhead has reportedly rejected Blackpool, Reading, and Portuguese side Famalicao in order to join Sunderland on loan. 

According to The Athletic, the 23-year-old is having his Black Cats medical today and his move to the North East club could be confirmed in the next 24 hours.

That would make him Lee Johnson's sixth signing of the summer and it seems Sunderland have had to fight off significant interest to line up the Broadhead deal.

It is understood that Blackpool, Reading, and Famalicao were among a number of other clubs interested in the Toffees forward but he rejected those in favour of a move to the Stadium of Light due to the promise of regular first-team football as a centre-forward, which is his preferred position.

Broadhead is clearly highly thought of at Goodison Park, having signed a two-year contract extension and made his Premier League debut last term.

His arrival would give Johnson some well-needed cover and competition for Ross Stewart, with Charlie Wyke leaving to joining Wigan this summer and Will Grigg seemingly not Sunderland's plans.

The Verdict

Sunderland supporters will love this update as it suggests the club have beaten out interest from Championship clubs for the signing of Broadbent.

That shows how highly-rated the 23-year-old is, while it says a lot about the sort of player they're about to sign that he'd take the drop down into League One as long as it meant regular opportunities as a centre-forward.

Stewart has made a strong start to the season, scoring in both of the Black Cats' first two league games, but adding support for him is a wise move given Wyke's exit and Grigg's current situation.

On the other hand, the likes of Blackpool and Reading will surely be frustrated at losing out on the Everton loanee to a side in the division below them.

Time is running out for clubs to add to their squad with the end of the window now around a fortnight away.