Sunderland AFC has given Patrick van Aanholt permission to speak to Crystal Palace, after the defender advised officials that he no longer wanted to play for the club and submitted a transfer request.

Chief executive, Martin Bain said: “If a player openly states he does not want to play for our club, then it is clear that we have a decision to make. In this instance and in regard to this particular player, we have done what we feel is right for Sunderland, which will always be our priority.”

The club has accepted a bid for the defender, who has been given permission to travel to London for talks.