Conor McLaughlin is perfect for Jack Ross’s Sunderland: experienced, cheap and proven at League One level.
Sunderland are hoping to make former Millwall defender Conor McLaughlin their first summer signing, according to the Northern Echo – and his potential arrival would at least solve one of Jack Ross’s biggest problems.
The Black Cats are heading into pre-season without a natural right-back in their ranks. Adam Matthews was allowed to leave the Stadium of Light after the play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic at January, leaving the versatile Luke O’Nien as the only real option available to former St Mirren coach Ross.
So signing 35-time Northern Ireland international McLaughlin on a free transfer could potentially be one of the most sensible decisions any League One club makes this summer.
The Belfast-born 27-year-old is not only the answer to Sunderland’s right-back worries, he is also absolutely proven at League One level. McLaughlin shone during five seasons in the third tier with Fleetwood Town before joining Millwall in 2017.
McLaughlin is also a free agent after his two-year deal with The Lions came to an end.
And after making just eight Championship appearances for Millwall last season, McLaughlin would surely relish the chance to play regular first-team football at Sunderland again. He is capable of walking into the Black Cats’ starting XI.
The deal could be announced before you know it too with the Northern Echo reporting that Sunderland have offered McLaughlin a move which could be made official in the next few days.
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