Fulham are closing in on a swoop for Sunderland’s midfielder and former captain Lee Cattermole.

Cattermole has been told by manager Paolo Di Canio that he can leave the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats’ no-nonsense Italian manager has initiated a huge shake-up this summer and wants rid of the red-card-magnet midfielder nicknamed ‘Clattermole’.

The former England Under-21 international is now in talks with Fulham boss Martin Jol, who has cash to spend following the west London club’s takeover by US tycoon Shahid Khan.

Sunderland paid Wigan £6million for Cattermole in 2009, but are now set to let him go for around £2.5m.