Sunderland finally settled on Papy Djilobodji’s exit last week.
Sunderland beat Port Vale 2-1 in the FA Cup on Sunday, and continue to impress under Jack Ross – but the priority will be a promotion campaign and a return to the Championship.
The Black Cats sit second in League One, just three points behind league leaders Portsmouth with a game in hand, as Ross has fared well in his opening months as manager.
His work in the transfer market has been strong, with centre back duo Tom Flanagan and Jack Baldwin impressing since their summer moves – but another defender may still be wanted.
Owner Stewart Donald has been quoted by Roker Report as saying that another centre back could arrive in January to provide more depth, even with Glenn Loovens and Alim Ozturk also at the club.
One player Ross was strongly considering in September was defender Gael Andonian, with the former Marseille man arriving on trial having left Marseille over the summer.
The Armenian international wasn’t signed, as Ross told The Chronicle that he couldn’t be brought in until Papy Djilobodji was moved out of the club – and with his exit finally settled last week, there may now be room.
Andonian, 23, remains a free agent having failed to find a club since his Sunderland stint ended two months ago, and having seemingly been close to a deal earlier this season, he may be worth another look.
Capable of playing at left back too, Andonian wouldn’t be a signing to immediately threaten Baldwin and Flanagan, but would at least provide more depth at the back, which is just what Sunderland are looking for – and Djilobodji’s settled departure may just open up the possibility for Andonian to come back into the thinking for Sunderland.
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