Championship outfit Sunderland are edging closer to securing a deadline day deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Jonny Williams, reports Sky Sports’ Keith Downie on Twitter.

The 23-year-old came up through the ranks at the London-based club to earn his senior debut back in 2011, when he came on as a second half substitute in their 2-1 Championship victory over Coventry City.

And the Wales international has since gone on to make a further 68 appearances for the Eagles, 12 of which have come in the Premier League, although the last few years have been a struggle for the midfielder, with injuries thwarting his progression in the Palace first team.

Loan spells at Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, and MK Dons have since followed, and Williams looks set for another one as recent reports from Downie on Twitter suggests that he is closing in on a move to Simon Grayson’s Sunderland.

The Black Cats meekly surrendered their Premier League status last season and much change has taken place at the Stadium of Light over the summer, although new boss Grayson is beginning to stamp his authority on things with seven signings of his own.

And Palace midfielder Williams could become the eighth should a deal be completed by tonight’s 11pm deadline.

The Verdict: Jonny Williams was tipped for huge things when he burst onto the scene with Crystal Palace many years ago, but injuries have somewhat stunted his progression, and he is now looking at loan moves in a bid to resurrect his career.

The 23-year-old had an encouraging time at Ipswich Town last season to perhaps suggest that he’s beginning to return to form, and that will no doubt please Sunderland boss Simon Grayson, who is closing in on bringing the midfielder to the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats have been busy this summer but you still sense they are short in some areas, as highlighted by back-to-back Championship defeats, yet a player of the calibre of Williams will certainly bolster their midfield ranks ahead of the rest of the season.

Sunderland fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!