Sunderland could do with strengthening their options at centre-back.
Sunderland’s options at centre-back are worrying. Other than Jack Baldwin and Glenn Loovens, Jack Ross harsly has the quality required in the middle of his defence to mount an instant return to the Championship.
Veteran Loovens has impressed alongside Baldwin during the early part of the season, but the Dutchman was injured against AFC Wimbledon last month and was subbed off at half-time.
He was replaced by Alim Ozturk and the Turkish defender, signed from Boluspor this summer after a spell in Scotland with Hearts, has had a much more indifferent start to life on Wearside.
Indeed, the defender was at fault during the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup and has hardly spread confidence among the Sunderland fans since replacing Loovens
Sunderland need a centre-back but with the transfer window shut, they must turn to the free agent market to pick up a player who is currently without a home.
It should convince former St. Mirren manager Ross to weigh up a move to sign Russell Martin, after he was released by Norwich City following an unsuccessful loan spell with Rangers.
Ross will know Martin well after turning out for the Light Blues and the Scotsman, who himself was a centre-back during his playing career, could look to snap up the 32-year-old who has earned 29 caps for Scotland.
But what would endear Ross most towards Martin, is the defender’s promotion experience. During his time with Norwich, Martin has experienced two promotion-winning campaigns, and that would be crucial in Sunderland’s title bid.
Landing the experienced defender on a free is exactly what Sunderland need.
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