Ross, a former coach at Hearts, is said to be looking north of the border for Sunderland recruits.
Between the sticks was just one of several problem areas for Sunderland as they slid out of the Championship this season.
It was a position shared by Jason Steele, Robbin Ruiter and Lee Camp throughout the campaign, although neither goalkeeper properly convinced.
Camp’s contract expires next month and is unlikely to get renewed, while Ruiter and Steele’s futures are also uncertain – despite having one and three years to run on their respective deals.
Indeed, recruiting a new number one could be one of Jack Ross’s early priorities after landing the Sunderland manager’s job last week. And having already been linked to a number of players from his native Scotland, it is possible he could return north of the border to find a solution.
One ‘keeper going spare this summer is Hearts’ Jon McLaughlin, who Ross’s former side are resigned to losing to an English club at the end of his contract this summer.
McLaughlin was one of the Scottish Premiership’s standout performers in his position this season, earning himself a first call up to Alex McLeish’s national team at the age of 30.
And the fact he was promoted from League One as recently as 2016, as a Burton Albion player, makes the Edinburgh native an all the more logical Sunderland target.
Should Sunderland consider a move for Hearts’ McLaughlin?
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