SUNDERLAND keeper Darren Ward is on the verge of a loan move to Glasgow Rangers.
The Wales international is expected to move to Ibrox on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.
Keane said last week that “three or four” players were set to leave Wearside on loan deals either over the weekend or early next week, and Ward is one of them.
“If clubs come in wanting to loan our players, if I think it is right for us I’ll put it to the player,” Keane said.
“There have been a few offers and still fine details to sort out, but two or three players could go out on loan, if not this weekend, then next week.”
Stephen Wright is another, with negotiations continuing over a loan move to Championship side Hull.
Ward’s move is likely to lead to goalkeeper Roy Carroll leaving the Scottish giants to join relegation favourites Derby County on loan until the end of the season.
Carroll is currently back-up to Allan McGregor at Rangers and has played just one Scottish League Cup tie so far this season but boss Walter Smith refused to sanction his move to Pride Park until he had brought in a replacement.
Ward was signed on a free from Norwich by Niall Quinn during his short spell as chairman-manager as cover for youngster Ben Alnwick.
But he soon overtook the England Under 21 international and became first choice when Roy Keane took over the manager’s job.
He was a stalwart of Sunderland’s Championship-winning campaign last season, making 30 appearances as the Black Cats won promotion.
But the arrival of Craig Gordon saw Ward demoted to second- choice on Wearside.
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