Sunderland will be looking to strengthen their defence for next season and a move for Wigan Athletic centre back Dan Burn would be a wise one.
Dan Burn joined Wigan Athletic from Fulham last summer
Sunderland will be playing in the Championship next season following their relegation from the Premier League and a busy summer is expected at the Stadium of Light in the transfer market.
After conceding a total of 60 league goals so far this season, the Sunderland defence will be an area that boss David Moyes will need to pay attention to. If the Black Cats are to have realistic ambitions of getting out of the Championship then a significant improvement is needed defensively.
It looks likely that there will be a major overhaul in the heart of Sunderland’s defence next season. 36-year-old John O’Shea, who is the club’s current skipper, is out of contract in the summer and his future remains unclear. Lamine Kone is likely to leave, with Crystal Palace and West Brom rumoured to be vying for his signature (Sun).
Jason Denayer will return to Manchester City at the end of the season and Joleon Lescott’s stay is unlikely to be extended past his current short term deal. This leaves Sunderland with Papy Djilobodji and Paddy McNair as the club’s only recognised centre-backs.
It would be sensible for Moyes to make a move for a centre-back with Championship experience and in good form; Burn would fit this criteria perfectly.
Dan Burn has been an ever-present in Wigan’s defence this season
Despite Wigan’s immediate relegation back to League One, Burn has impressed for the Latics in his debut season at the DW Stadium. The 25-year-old was signed from Fulham last summer and was named the club’s player of the season.
The 6ft 6in central defender is an imposing figure and has over 100 appearances under his belt at Championship level. Burn, who is originally from Blyth, began his career with Darlington before being snapped up by Fulham.
After his positive season, Burn will be keen to stay in the Championship and a move back to the North-East to help lead a possible promotion push could be his next move.
Burn was named Wigan’s 2016-2017 player of the year
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