Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy is set to join Celtic.

The Journal says Celtic tabled a bid at the end of last week and, although the two clubs are still £250,000 apart in their valuations of the Republic of Ireland striker, all parties are keen on the deal and a swift resolution is expected.

Celtic's first bid was believed to be around the £1.2million mark, and while Sunderland want more they will be happy to get a player who has been told he is not part of Steve Bruce's plans for next season off the books.

A source close to the Republic of Ireland striker says the switch is "very, very close" and indicated Murphy will take a pay cut to help push through a move he believes will boost his chances of international recognition.