Fulham are closing in a swoop for Sunderland's midfielder and former captain Lee Cattermole, the Mirror reports

Cattermole has been told by manager Paolo Di Canio that he can leave the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats’ no-nonsense Italian manager has initiated a huge shake-up this summer and wants rid of the red-card-magnet midfielder nicknamed 'Clattermole'.

The former England Under-21 international is now in talks with Fulham boss Martin Jol, who has cash to spend following the west London’s club’s takeover by US tycoon Shahid Khan.

Sunderland paid Wigan £6million for Cattermole in 2009, but are now set to let him go for around £2.5m.