Sunderland were linked with a move for Everton defender Phil Jagielka throughout the January transfer window.
Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that Sunderland should have signed Everton defender Phil Jagielka.
Nicholas believes that Sunderland did some good business in January, and he claims that Joleon Lescott could turn out to be a valuable addition.
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However, the former Arsenal player says that Jagielka’s arrival at the Stadium of Light would have been the best addition they could have made.
“I like what David Moyes has done and, crucially, Jermain Defoe didn’t go,” Nicholas said. “They tried their best to get Ulloa but the ambition at least was there.
“I like the signings from Everton and Lescott’s a solid addition for me, too, despite some of the fans not seeming impressed. If only they’d managed to get Phil Jagielka – that would have been sensational. All in all, though, Moyes has busted a gut to try and get them out of trouble. His effort’s been undeniable.”
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Sunderland did try to sign Jagielka last month, but they were unable to get a deal over the line.
Everton decided not to sell the England international, as Ronald Koeman wanted to keep him at Goodison Park.
Jagielka has struggled for game time at Everton this season, with Koeman generally favouring other options.
Sunderland did still do some business with the Toffees during the January transfer window, even if they couldn’t bring in Jagielka.
The Black Cats bought in both Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson from the Merseyside club, to bolster their options for the remainder of the season.
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