Bryan Oviedo is set to enter talks with Belgian side Clube Brugge despite being poised to return to training with the Black Cats today.

Reports emerging in Belgium, via the Sunderland Echo, suggest the Costa Rican defender is a target for the Belgian side who finished second in their top flight last season.

The 29-year-old had been handed an extended break by manager Jack Ross to allow him time to recover from his international commitments this summer. He's been on CONCACAF Gold Cup duty, where his side were beaten quarter finalists, but returns to the Academy of Light this morning.

That return may only be temporary as he looks poised to decide his future. His departure from Sunderland has been threatened for a while; a deadline day move to West Brom collapsed and the eleventh hour and this summer he's been linked with another move away.

He's a relic of their Premier League days, having arrived from Everton in January 2017. He's since appeared 77 times for the Black Cats, scoring twice.

The Verdict

It isn't surprising that Oviedo is wanting a move, nor that Sunderland are willing to allow it. He's actually a good player with a lot to offer this level, but his wages will surely be a concern having been signing in the Premier League era.

He's one of the few left over to remind fans and staff of their collapse and ultimate struggles. Coupled with the financial burden, they'll be delighted to see him leave despite his good attitude.

As for Oviedo, he's a player with international commitments and played against Mexico in the Gold Cup this summer. He needs to be playing football of a good standard to keep himself sharp and ready for those commitments, something Brugge could offer.

This is one of the least surprising bits of news of the summer.