Bayern defender Kirchhoff undergoes Sunderland medical

Scott Anderson
Jan Kirchhoff: Signed 18-month deal at Stadium of Light

Jan Kirchhoff: Signed 18-month deal at Stadium of Light

Sunderland are close to signing Bayern Munich defender Jan Kirchhoff after he arrived in the North East for a medical.

As reported by the Sunderland Echo, German officials reported that the defender did not join up with the Bayern Munich squad today at their mid-season training camp in Doha, sparking rumours of a transfer away from the Bundesliga giants.

We first mentioned Sunderland’s interest in the defender earlier this week and a statement on the official Bayern Munich website confirmed that Kirchhoff was not with the squad, as he was with his advisors in negotiations to a transfer.

Sunderland have reportedly been in talks with the defender for several weeks, and with only one solitary appearance for the German champions this season, reports in Germany suggested the 25-year-old already agreed an 18-month deal at the Stadium of Light.

As Kirchhoff’s deal at Bayern expires in the summer, the club were willing to let the defender leave, and the Black Cats look to be closing in on a £750,000 deal.

With Younes Kaboul sidelined for six weeks, Kirchhoff will bolster Sam Allardyce’s defence as they look clinch Premier League safety.

After Kirchhoff was not present at Bayern’s mid-season training camp in Doha, German newspaper Bild reported: “At the airport Jan Kirchhoff and other Bayern stars were still close together. But then parted ways. While the team flew a training camp in Doha, Kirchhoff jetted for medical check-up for the AFC Sunderland to England.”

Sunderland face a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday, and then a midweek league match against Swansea as they bid to avoid the drop.