Sunderland face a hostile raid from departing Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew in the coming days.

The Daily Express says Pardew will be handed a £20million January transfer kitty to keep Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

A new forward has been identified as one of the key areas where the Palace squad needs strengthening, with Sunderland striker Connor Wickham also being considered.

Pardew's appointment is expected to be confirmed today on a four-year deal worth around £1.5million a year, with a £1m bonus if he keeps Palace up this season.