League One challengers Sunderland are reportedly hoping to raid Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen for captain Graeme Shinnie.
The fact that Graeme Shinnie has been compared to Scott Brown indicates what attributes he would bring to Sunderland.
According to The Scottish Sun, The Black Cats are interested in signing the influential Aberdeen midfielder when his contract expires at the end of the season. The 27-year-old, who can play in midfield or at left-back, has made almost 200 appearances for The Dons since he arrived from Inverness in 2015.
But what would Shinnie add to a Sunderland team who are hardly short of options in the centre of the park? Well, leadership, technical ability and an insatiable will to win, with Aberdeen legend Willie Miller comparing the five-time Scotland international to the heroic Celtic skipper Brown.
“I think he is a great example of someone who can play the physical side of the game, close opposition players down and make challenges, but is able to control it as well,” Miller told the Glasgow Evening Times, comments that would easily apply to Brown rather than Shinnie.
“He is the captain, the guy who leads the team by example. His energy is magnificent. He goes and hunts down the ball.
“As much as Scott Brown is important to Celtic, Graeme Shinnie is just the same for Aberdeen.”
Considering the impact Grant Leadbitter has made at the Stadium of Light since he returned to Wearside from Middlesbrough in January, signing another midfielder who can exert a huge amount of influence in the engine room could be an inspired decision for a side who are hoping to play Championship football next season.
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