news: Whitehead set for Stoke

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is continuing to work on both in and outgoing transfers. But one move which now appears to be 'dead in the water' is the one involving Daryl Murphy and his proposed switch to Hull City, which faltered on personal terms.

Murphy has joined the Squad in the Algarve for preseason training and startde up front against Portimonense in Sunderland 1-0 win at the weekend.

Bruce revealed: "I've let Dean stay at home because there's still every chance that the move to Stoke City will go through.

"His decision to want to go had nothing to do with me.

"I think he's just decided that he could do with a fresh start and we have to respect that.

"I'm not sure how close that move is as things stand, I'll just leave that up to them.

"As for Daryl, there was a prospect of a move and we allowed Hull to speak to him.

"But I wasn't pushing him out of the door and it's up to him, like everyone else in the squad to prove to be over the next few weeks that they deserve to be part of the first-team squad come the start of the season."

Opinions on wearside are that Whitehead has been a good servant to the club, and very good value for money, but that his time is up and he needs a fresh start.

One club who can benefit greatly out of this transfer is Oxford, who have a 25% sell on clause in Whitehea's contract