Sunderland are aiming to beat north east rivals Newcastle United to Burnley midfielder Scott Arfield – he knows the Championship like the back of his hand.
Burnley’s Scott Arfield is a pillar of consistency
With debt-ridden Sunderland preparing for a daunting season in the second tier, an out-of-contract player with proven Championship experience would be nothing short of a dream signing.
And, according to The Chronicle, The Black Cats may have found their man with Scott Arfield on their radar.
The Canada international’s contract is expiring at Burnley and, after starting just 23 games in the Premier League in 2016/17, it appears that he is no longer a crucial part of manager Sean Dyche’s plans.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has used Arfield sparingly recently
Therefore, Sunderland could press ahead with a deal presided over by former manager David Moyes before his sudden resignation in May, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Promotion specialist
A versatile midfielder, Arfield may not be the sort of signing that would get fans queuing overnight at the ticket office. But he helped Burnley earn promotion to the Premier League on two occasions in 2014 and 2016 – experience that could prove invaluable to a Sunderland side tipped to follow in the footsteps of Leeds and Nottingham Forest rather than returning rivals Newcastle United.
Furthermore, nabbing Arfield mean Sunderland could get one over on their North East neighbours this summer – even if it’s unlikely to stop Newcastle supporters gloating as their clubs travel in opposite directions.
The Sun claimed that the 28-year-old is the kind of proven top flight talent that Newcastle want ahead of their Premier League return – but he could be even more influential to a Sunderland side aiming to bounce back as quickly as possible.
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