Sunderland youngster Tom Beadling is set to join Scottish Championship play-off contenders Dunfermline.
The 22-year-old Academy graduate is out of contract in the summer and will be allowed to leave Wearside six months early to sign for the Pars, who are managed by former Sunderland winger Allan Johnston.
Dunfermline are currently fourth in the Scottish Championship, occupying the final play-off place.
Barrow-born Beadling joined Sunderland’s Academy at the age of eight and went on to become a regular in the club’s U23 side but has never made a first-team appearance, although he has been an unused sub on a number of occasions.
He joined League One side Bury on loan in January last year but made only two appearances for the Shakers.
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Beadling is the third young player in the final year of their contract on Wearside who Sunderland have allowed to leave early, with defender Tommy Robson having joined Falkirk last month, and midfielder Rees Greenwood having departed last week before signing for National League side Gateshead.
Sunderland boss Chris Coleman is keen to give Academy graduates a chance in the first-team but has begun taking the difficult decisions over which players he believes will make the grade, and which players must move on in search of senior football.