Sunderland landing Burnley’s Jon Walters would prove they’re still a huge club

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Sunderland are reportedly keen to lure Jon Walters from Burnley – despite going from the Premier League to League One.

Jon Walters is keen to leave Burnley this summer after an injury-stricken spell at Turf Moor. And the Republic of Ireland forward told The Mirror that he would have no qualms stepping down a division – stepping down two, however, might be a different proposition entirely.

The Mirror (June 1st, page 56) reports that Sunderland are keen to make Walters their first signing since tumbling into League One. And it is understood that the Black Cats, who have one of the division’s largest budgets thanks to new owner Stewart Donald, will not be put off by Burnley’s £2 million price-tag.

Now, it goes without saying that it would be a major coup if Sunderland could convince Walters to play in the third tier of English football after eight years in the Premier League. In fact, the deal would be even more impressive now than it would have been in January.

The Chronicle stated that Sunderland were keen on the former Stoke City favourite five months ago, when they still had a chance of pulling themselves clear of the Championship relegation zone.

Unfortunately, however, Walters suffered a serious injury to his knee shortly afterwards, which scuppered the move.

But if Walters does make the move a few months on, this would be one of the most eye-catching coups in recent League One history and a sign that Sunderland, despite their dramatic drop down the divisions, remain a massive club with a pulling power most teams at this level can only dream of.