Sunderland are close to signing Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Jason Steele, according to Alan Nixon.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper was in impressive form for Rovers last season despite the club being relegated down to League One, and this form has clearly caught the attention of Black Cats gaffer Simon Grayson.

Steele has made close to 100 appearances for the Lancashire club since sealing a move from Middlesbrough, a club where he made well in excess of 100 appearances for too.

Tony Mowbray is keen to Steele to stay put at Ewood Park, but knows he will be hard pushed to force Steele to stay, and a £500k move could be completed in the coming days if Sunderland get their way.

Blackburn have been going through a summer of rebuilding following their relegation from the Championship last term, and Mowbray would no doubt be keen to re-invest any fee received for Steele back into the first team given the opportunity.

Sunderland meanwhile are making low key signings under new manager Grayson, and Steele would appear to fit the mould of what he is looking for in his squad as he looks to guide the Black Cats back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Sunderland fans, what do you think to this? Blackburn fans, is £500k enough? Give us your thoughts!