Earlier today it was reported that Kirchhoff would not be joining his teammates on their trip to the Middle East in order to negotiate a transfer away from the club.

A statement on Bayern's official website this morning read:

"The travelling party does not include Jan Kirchhoff, who is away with his agent concluding negotiations for a possible transfer."

Things look to be moving quickly with the transfer, and the player has been spotted in the North East arriving for his medical examination ahead of a permanent move.

BREAKING: Jan Kirchhoff has arrived in the North East this lunchtime for a medical with Sunderland. @SkySportsNewsHQ pic.twitter.com/Bd1rEQm3tP — Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 6, 2016

Kirchhoff stands at 6"5 and has eighteen caps for the Germany U21s side. After starting his career successfully at FSV Mainz he moved to Munich on a free transfer in 2013, but faced tough competition for a place in the side from the likes of Dante, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez and has struggled to make an impact at the German Behemoths.

Kirchhoff spent eighteen months on loan at Schalke and since returning to his parent club in the summer he's barely featured for Pep Guardiola's side.

Stay tuned to Roker Report for the latest as it breaks - lets hope the deal is concluded swiftly and Kirchhoff is signed in time to play on Saturday against Arsenal.