Baggies swoop for Haas

The clubs, who were both relegated from The Premiership last season, have concurred on a figure in the region of £400,000-£500,000.

Haas joined The Black Cats in the summer of 2001 from Grasshoppers but returned to his homeland last term for a spell with Basel.

The 25-year-old enjoyed Champions League football with Christian Gross's troops and Basel were keen to sign the right back on a permanent basis.

But their failure to regain the Swiss title meant Gross did not have the funds to secure the Swiss international's signature.

The Baggies have stepped in and have had their offer for Haas accepted by their First Division rivals.

The Hawthorns outfit's chairman, Jeremy Peace, confirmed a deal is in the pipeline and will now be discussing personal terms with Haas.

"We have agreed a fee with Sunderland and we are now entering into negotiations with the player," Peace told the club's official website.

"We will announce further details next week."