Stoke City have improved their bid for Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole but it has not yet been accepted according to Sky Sports News, though they have now confirmed that Stoke sources are confident that the deal is close, and that Cattermole will head to Stoke for a medical tonight. Stoke were knocked back in their first bid for the midfielder but have now gone back with a larger offer hoping to tempt Sunderland in to parting with their former captain. It was originally thought that Sunderland were unwilling to sell their Cattermole but the arrival of Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt seems to have changed that, despite Gus Poyet's assertions that he didn't want to lose his midfielder. Yesterday, Sunderland brought in Bridcutt Brighton, a man who plays in the same position as Cattermole. This has perhaps seen Poyet change his mind on selling a player who has made more than 100 appearances for the club. Stoke are desperate to bring players in after a poor run of form has seen them fall down the table to just two points outside the relegation zone. The BBC are also reporting that the French newspaper L'Equipe are claiming that Stade Rennais attacker Jonathan Pitroipa could also be on his way to The Brittania before the end of the day to boost their options upfront. Sunderland themselves have already brought in Bridcutt, Marcos Alonson, Santiago Vergini, Oscar Ustari and Ignacio Scocco in their bid to fend off relegation. Should Stoke sign Cattermole? Share your thoughts below.