Oviedo and Gibson close to joining Sunderland

Everton fringe players Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson are set to become the latest Blues to join the old boys reunion project that former manager David Moyes is putting together at Sunderland.

Both players are headed to the Black Cats for physicals today ahead of moves to bolster Moyes' battle for Premier League survival.

Sunderland already had former Toffee Jack Rodwell on the squad when Moyes joined the club, and he quickly added Steven Pienaar and Victor Anichebe before the beginning if this season.

Last week he made another alumnus Joleon Lescott Sunderland's first January signing, and was quickly linked with moves for Everton club captain Phil Jagielka as well.

Oviedo hasn't had much playing time at Everton this season, apart from a run of games earlier on while stalwart Leighton Baines was injured. He struggled mightily in a couple of those games, but did decently enough in the others, which has been part for the course in his Blues career.

If his departure is confirmed, it leaves Everton very thin at the left back position, especially after West Brom refused to terminate Brandon Galloway's loan spell despite him not getting much game time.

Gibson leaving on the other hand will not be missed after a largely disappointing Everton career marred by injury and an off-the-field drink driving incident.

The midfield position is pretty stacked at the Toffees and with Gibson having signed a two-year-deal this summer, the club will be relieved to have him off the books.