English Soccer: Ben-Haim moves from Man City to Sunderland

26-year-old Israeli international defender had joined Manchester City on a four-year contract from Chelsea in July.

By ALLON SINAI
benayoun ben haim 298.88 (photo credit: AP)
benayoun ben haim 298.88
(photo credit: AP)
Tal Ben-Haim is expected to complete a loan move to English Premier League club Sunderland until the end of the season on Sunday, after agreeing personal terms with the Tyne-Wear club on Saturday. The 26-year-old Israeli international defender, who still needs to pass a medical, joined Manchester City on a four-year contract from Chelsea in July for a fee believed to be around £6 million, but struggled under manager Mark Hughes, making just nine Premier League appearances this season. Last season Ben-Haim also failed to make an impression, playing just 13 times for London side Chelsea. Ben-Haim, who prior to joining Chelsea made 88 appearances in three seasons at Bolton, will be hoping he can finally become a regular starter once more under Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia and help the team in its fight against relegation. Sunderland, currently 13th in the league, visits Newcastle in the 141st Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.