Sunderland are likely to be active in next summer’s window if they can stay afloat in the Championship come May 2018, with John on loan at Rangers until then.
Chris Coleman should be drawing up a number of potential Sunderland targets with the January transfer window fast approaching as November draws to a close.
Sunderland currently sit in 22nd place following the Wearside’s outfit second win of the season against Burton Albion on Saturday, in just Coleman’s second game in charge, thanks to goals from Lewis Grabban and George Honeyman.
Former Wales boss Coleman is likely to consider a number of Welsh stars that he will know from his five-year spell in charge of the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen too boost Sunderland’s fortunes, but one name should stand out in particular.
Cardiff left-back Declan John was handed his debut by Coleman back in 2013 during a 1-0 win over Macedonia, despite being just 18 years of age, after making his Bluebirds debut aged just 17 years and one month.
Now, the 22-year-old is shining on a season-long loan with Scottish giants Rangers, as he proves to be a rare shining light in Graeme Murty’s inconsistent side.
His eye-catching form has since kept captain Lee Wallace out of the side, as well as promising youngster Myles Beerman, scoring two goals in nine games for the Ibrox club.
Although he would not be a January target with his loan in Glasgow scheduled for the entire season, Coleman is likely to be alerted to the fact that John’s contract with Cardiff expires in the summer.
A number of former Rangers players have left the Ibrox club after failing to impress and since shined in the Championship, such as Barrie McKay, Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn. But with John one of Rangers’ best players at the moment, surely he would rip up the Championship if Sunderland nab him.
With Sunderland looking to maintain their finances following the drop from the Premier League, signing a player such as John on a free would be a top purchase.
Available on a free when his deal ends, Sunderland would be adding a player at the top of his game that can score goals from left-back – but most importantly, someone who will give his all for Coleman after the latter handed John his international debut.
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