Whitley will be signing

Whitley, who managed to get on the scoresheet in Sunderlands 5-0 friendly victory over York on Wednesday night, has been at the Stadim of Light since being released by City last season.

McCarthy said: "He hasn't signed yet, but he will be doing. You know the position I'm in at the moment.

"He understands it and he wants to play here, for Sunderland and for me, and the feeling is mutual. He will be signing."