Sunderland set to snap up Gardner

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By Joe Doyle 28 Jun 2011 18:10:00 David De Gea, Atletico de Madrid (Getty Images) Related Links Teams Players Former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll has warned the incoming David de Gea that he has huge boots to fill in replacing Edwin van der Sar. The Northern Irishman played at Old Trafford for four years between 2001 and 2005, and says that the intensity and pressure is very high at the top, with the Spaniard in for a tough transition at a club with big expectations. "Edwin van der Sar has done really well for Manchester United over the last few years and this young keeper is coming to the biggest club in the world - he's got a lot of pressure on his shoulders," Carroll told talkSPORT
Craig Gardner Gardner joined Birmingham from rivals Aston Villa for £3m in 2010

Sunderland are close to completing the signing of Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner, BBC Sport understands.

The 24-year-old is poised for a £6m move to the Stadium of Light, a month after Blues’ Premier League relegation.

Gardner was City’s top scorer last season with 10 goals in all competitions, and was part of the side that won the Carling Cup in February.

Birmingham are also believed to be in talks over the joint sale of Cameron Jerome and Scott Dann to Stoke.

The Potters reportedly had a bid of £10m rejected but discussions are continuing.

Sunderland have been looking to bolster their midfield options after selling Jordan Henderson to Liverpool for a fee which could rise to £20m.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Birmingham midfielder Ashley Sammons, who made his debut in the Carling Cup two years ago, has signed a new one-year contract.

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Sunderland set to snap up Gardner