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Report: Sunderland join Rangers in chase for contract rebel Ben Heneghan

Sunderland manager Simon Grayson in action during the pre season friendly between Hibernian and Sunderland at Easter Road on July 9, 2017 in Edinbu...
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Ben Heneghan has rejected a new deal at Motherwell and could be on the move with Sunderland, Rangers and QPR all keen.

Ben Heneghan of Motherwell in action during the pre season friendly between Livingston and Motherwell at Almondvale Stadium on July 4, 2017 in Livingston, Scotland.

Anyone who watched Barnsley dismantle Sunderland 3-0 on Saturday will have been under no illusions that The Black Cats could do with one or two reinforcements in their backline.

Tyias Browning and Lamine Kone, who had formed a hitherto impressive partnership in the first few weeks of the Championship season, looked all at sea against Paul Heckingbottom’s rampant hosts.

Therefore, perhaps this explains why speculation concerning a move for Motherwell centre-back Ben Heneghan has ramped up with just three days remaining in the transfer window.

According to The Chronicle, Sunderland are weighing up a move for the 23-year-old, who joined Well from non-league Chester City a year ago and earned rave reviews for an impressive debut campaign north of the border.

Ben Heneghan of Chester battles with Mason Holgate of Barnsley during the FA Cup Second Round Replay match between Chester City and Barnsley at Deva Stadium on December 16, 2014 in Chester,...

The report adds that Heneghan could be on the move again as he has rejected a new contract at the Scottish Premiership side with his current deal due to expire next summer.

Consequently, Sunderland boss Simon Grayson could make a move as he is fully aware of the need for defensive additions – particularly if Kone leaves the Stadium of Light before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Man in demand

However, it appears that Sunderland will face a challenge luring Heneghan, who started his career at Everton, to the North East. The report claims that Championship rivals QPR and Scottish giants Rangers are interested.

Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha gestures during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland.

This is not the first time Rangers have been linked, Sky Sports breaking the news of their interest back in May. Since then, Pedro Caixinha’s side have reinforced their backline with the signings of Portuguese pair Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso but it appears that a bargain move for Heneghan is still on the cards.

On the back of Saturday’s dismal display, however, Sunderland should do everything they can to get their man.