Kieran Richardson has been given permission to open talks with Fulham after Sunderland accepted a bid from the Londoners.
Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill confirmed last week Richardson was keen on a move.
The midfielder was conspicuous by his absence from last night's Capital One Cup win over Morecambe and O'Neill revealed Sunderland have agreed a fee with Fulham for the 27-year-old.
O'Neill said: "A club has made an offer for him and we have accepted that.
"If it does not materialise and he comes back I will still be pleased.
"Kieran wanted to pursue it and look at it and we accepted the offer from Fulham very late yesterday afternoon."