Sunderland should consider signing Wes Hoolahan for free this summer

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Sunderland are looking for a number of midfield and striking options to bolster their squad, in an attempt to return to the Championship.

Sunderland manager Jack Ross will be well aware of the need for his League One squad to be deep enough in order to stand the best chance of gaining promotion next season.

The Black Cats have made a few impressive signings, including the signing of Dylan McGeouch, Chris Maguire and most recently Jerome Sinclair, who has joined on loan from Watford.

However, with the core of their squad being somewhat young, the Wearsiders may need to turn to the transfer market for an experienced head, with free agent Wes Hoolahan potentially an excellent option for the third tier side.

The Championship veteran played his football for Norwich City for the past 10 years, having racked up 323 games for the Canaries, scoring 47 goals. But, after leaving the side he joined in 2008, Hoolahan is now a free agent.

And Norwich’s loss could be Sunderland’s gain, with the attacking midfielder certainly still capable of helping Ross’s side push for their desired promotion target.

However, Hoolahan is 36-years-old and Sunderland’s Scottish manager would likely have to weigh up whether the former Blackpool player could stand up to the physical demands of League One, with more than 50 games in both league and cup competitions set to be played next term.

Despite the Irish International being in the latter stages of his career, Hoolahan’s experience in the dressing room alone could make the difference for Sunderland in a league full of experienced players.

And Hoolahan’s age certainly does not mean he couldn’t play a part from the bench, with his ability to run at defenders from his attacking midfield role and both his set-piece and penalty taking attributes still remaining some of the best around..

Hoolahan is certainly an option for the former St Mirren manager to consider and, even if the player can feature in only a handful of games next season, the fact he would not cost a penny brings little risk to Sunderland attempting any sort of move for the Dublin-born man.