LONDON (AFP) - West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is Sunderland-bound after the London club accepted a bid reported to be approaching eight million pounds, Hammers boss Alan Curbishley said on Sunday.

The 23-year-old is now allegedly considering the move up to the north east of England.

Curbishley, whose team lost 3-0 in the Premier League at Manchester City on Sunday, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The board have accepted the bid - he's not renegotiated his contract - and the decision was taken out of my hands.

"I don't know where Anton is in terms of signing for Sunderland - but once the club accept the bid it moves on."

Ferdinand's current contract is set to end in 2010.