Sunderland have confirmed they have accepted a bid from Watford for defender Younes Kaboul.

Speculation has surrounded the 30-year-old centre back for most of the week, and now the Black Cats have taken the unusual step of announcing an offer has been accepted for the player.

It stated Kaboul wished to leave the club for 'personal reasons', and that his representatives had expressed a desire to speak to Watford about a move - which was accepted by manager David Moyes.

Kaboul said: “This is not an easy situation for me, but the club and the manager have shown an understanding of my personal circumstances and I am grateful for that. 

“The Sunderland fans have supported me fantastically well since I came to the club, they gave me my passion back and I sincerely thank them for that.

"I hope they understand that I have made this incredibly difficult decision for me."