The news will come as a big blow to Oxford boss Graham Rix, who was known to be a big admirer of Whitehead and was trying his best to ensure he would be at the U's next season. Rix made Whitehead captain in the final away match of the season at Macclesfield – a ploy to show him how much he thought of him – but Sunderland's intervention put paid to any hopes of him staying at Oxford.

United were desperate to hold onto the 22-year-old midfielder, and made him a much-improved offer to try and keep him at the Kassam Stadium. But Whitehead, who lives in Abingdon and came through the ranks at Oxford, was made a once-in-a-lifetime offer by Sunderland – and it was just too good to turn down. I understand that personal terms have been agreed by both parties, with the only stumbling block the compensation Oxford are to receive.

Because he is under 24, Oxford are entitled to a fee, and if the clubs cannot settle on a price, the amount would be decided by a tribunal. Whitehead would not comment, but is heading north this week to put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract. Sheffield United, NOTTINGHAM FOREST, Reading, Watford, Bournemouth and Wycombe were all linked with moves.

But Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy is known to have monitored Whitehead's progress closely over the closing few months of the season. Although the Black Cats manager has been away on holiday, and is now in Portugal covering Euro 2004 for the BBC, he has been in constant contact with Whitehead and his agent to iron out details of the deal.

Sunderland lost in the Division 1 play-offs last season. But they are one of the hot favourites to win promotion back to the Premiership this time round in the newly-named Coca-Cola Football League Championship.

©ForestFC.co.uk, 2004