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Fresh from playing in his country’s 0-0 draw with Scotland in a friendly at Hampden last night, Fulham striker Healy was on the road from Glasgow this morning to the north east to have a medical for Roy Keane’s side.
If all goes according to plan, a deal could be completed in time to see Healy named in Sunderland’s squad for their Premiership game against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
The Belfast Telegraph revealed earlier in the week that Healy was on Sunderland’s wanted list.
Initially it looked as though a swap deal was on the cards with Sunderland midfielder Dickson Etutu going in the opposite direction, but now it appears the transfer will be a straight cash deal for Healy.
As always with Northern Ireland, Healy was the centre of attention during last night’s match with the Scots.
Playing as a lone striker and having a fine game, Healy had the opportunity to take his record breaking goal tally for Northern Ireland to 35 when a penalty was awarded to the visitors in the second half.
Normally so lethal from the spot, Healy saw his penalty well saved by Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who made a habit of stopping spot-kicks for the Ibrox outfit last season.
The 6,500 Northern Ireland fans who beat their Scottish counterparts in the singing stakes won’t be too concerned about the penalty, knowing that Healy will deliver when it matters when the World Cup qualifying campaign begins in September.
Sunderland boss Keane knows all about the World Cup of course.
And he knows 29-year-old Healy well from the Killyleagh man’s time at Old Trafford when Keane was the Manchester United captain.
Healy said today: “Sunderland are a huge club and their fans are amongst the most passionate in the country.
“They live for the game in the north east and there is no doubt that Sunderland are a club on the up.
“It has been flattering being linked with Sunderland and while I have not been angling for a move from Fulham, you never say never in football.
“For anyone it would be a big challenge playing for a club like Sunderland.”
Last season, after starting superbly for Fulham, proved to be a frustrating one for Healy when he was out of favour too many occasions.
With Fulham boss Roy Hodgson signing Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora in the summer, Healy knows his first team opportunities at Craven Cottage are going to be limited.
Therefore a £1 million move to Sunderland could be just what Healy needs.
Meanwhile Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has pointed to Mikael Silvestre's experience and versatility as two main factors behind his decision to sign the defender from Manchester United for £750,000.
The 31-year-old, who missed a large part of last season with knee ligament damage, has agreed a two-year deal at the Emirates Stadium after nine years at Old Trafford.
Wenger said: "We have a strong squad but a young squad and Mikael's versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season.
"His defensive adaptability will serve us well and it's a big plus that Mikael has top-level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League."
Silvestre - who has 40 caps for France - said: “I've spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I'll remember that time fondly but feel I'm ready for a new challenge.
“I’m really excited about the next stage of my career, hopefully helping Arsenal to glory."
