The Manchester United full-back could go down a storm at the Stadium of Light, unlike some of his former Old Trafford teammates.
Sunderland have got used to signing former Manchester United players in recent years, with some more successful than others.
Former boss David Moyes brought Donald Love and Paddy McNair to the Stadium of Light last season, with neither pulling up trees, while previous success stories include the likes of Wes Brown and John O’Shea.
But while Moyes has gone and Sunderland are looking for a new permanent manager, whoever takes charge would be wise to have another look at United, this time for right-back Guillermo Varela.
The Uruguayan defender has struggled for game time at Old Trafford, although he looked to have finally made his breakthrough under Louis van Gaal only for the Dutchman to be replaced by Jose Mourinho last summer.
Last season he was on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt, starting and ending the campaign in the starting XI after a serious injury robbed in of significant game time in between.
Now back at United, it is unlikely Varela will be given a chance given the presence of Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian, but if he wants another crack at English football, Sunderland could be the ideal destination.
Former boss Moyes did not sign the right United players
Now 24, Varela should be playing week in, week out, and his versatility could be ideal for a Black Cats side desperate to get back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
While predominantly a right-back, Varela can also operate on the right wing or as a holding midfielder and he is unlikely to be too expensive this summer.
Sunderland have not always got it right with signings from United, but Varela would certainly go in the plus column were he to arrive.
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