League One Sunderland have reportedly tried to sign Burnley’s Jon Walters on a number of occasions in 2018.
One year on from his £3 million move to Turf Moor, saying that Jon Walters’ spell at Burnley has been disappointing would be an understatement.
The Republic of Ireland striker has made just two starts for The Clarets and has been told that he is no longer in Sean Dyche’s first-team plans, having been left out of the Europa League qualifier against Olympiakos on Thursday night.
And according to The Mirror (live blog, 7.28am), 34-year-old Walters is set to leave before Friday’s transfer deadline in search of more regular minutes. And he would certainly get that at Sunderland.
The Mirror (1June, page 56) claimed that Sunderland wanted to make Walters their marquee signing after dropping down into League One and were not put off by Burnley’s £2 million price-tag. This came just four months after a serious knee injury prevented the former Stoke star from moving to Wearside in January, as reported by The Chronicle.
And with manager Jack Ross still looking for a new attacking option before the end of August, Walters should still be in Sunderland’s sights. He’d offer plenty of work rate, versatility and experience in a youthful squad.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the Black Cats could convince Walters to go from the Premier League to League One. But it’s worth asking the question.
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