Gordon set for Black Cats switch

The 24-year-old has reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract after passing a medical.

Hearts are expected to receive a fee of around £7million for Gordon, with add-ons taking the deal up to £9million and making him potentially the most expensive goalkeeper in British league history.

Gordon's agent Andy Evans was unavailable for comment on Tuesday night, however it is known that the shot-stopper has passed a medical on Wearside.

Hearts assistant boss Stephen Frail does not expect Gordon, who came through the club's youth ranks, to play again for the Jambos.

"If a bid has been accepted, it's just about personal terms," Frail told BBC Sport.

"It's very sad and comes on the back of us losing our goalkeeping coach, Jim Stewart, so it's a difficult time. But it just shows how good the youth policy is when one person moves for £9million."

Villa were believed to have had a bid of £7million accepted for Gordon as manager Martin O'Neill is desperate to bring in a new keeper with last season's number one Thomas Sorensen currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Manchester City were also linked with Gordon after losing Swedish international Andreas Isaksson for six weeks with a thumb injury.

However, it appears Gordon has decided to join Roy Keane's Premier League newcomers on Wearside.