Three free agent goalkeepers to whom Sunderland could turn in their hour of need

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The Mackems failed to land a new shot-stopper in time.

Vito Mannone

Vito Mannone’s injury left Sunderland spending the final few days of the summer transfer window scouring Europe for anyone who had ever once, possibly, donned a pair of Sondicos.

They appeared to have settled on Boavista shot-stopper Mika (who presumably told Mackems boss David Moyes: he could be brown, he could be blue, he could be vio-let sky; he could be hurtful, he could be purple, he could be anything he likes) however, a deal could not be struck in time.

Their failure has left 22-year-old Jordan Pickford as Moyes’ most senior option between the sticks until Mannone returns, at best, sometime in November.

However, there is always the free transfer market – otherwise known as football’s soup kitchen. In which case, the following trio could be of use.

3) Chris Kirkland

The 35-year-old recently cancelled his Bury contract only a month after his arrival at the League One club, citing family reasons and the need for some “time and space away” from football. However, a phone call from Moyesie could reignite Kirkland’s flame for the game. The former Liverpool glovesman, who has one cap for England, was a teammate of Pickford at Preston North End last season.

2) Mark Schwarzer

A Premier League winner in each of the past two campaigns, Schwarzer, 43, is yet to officially hang up his trusty hand-socks despite being released by Leicester in June. The former Middlesbrough number 1 has been doing media work meanwhile, but could be ready to hop back in. His recently-discovered magic touch could certainly be of use at the Stadium of Light.

1) Vladimir Gabulov

Arguably the best free agent keeper going right now, the 32-year-old has been without a club since leaving Dinamo Moscow in the summer. Gabulov, once of CSKA Moscow, Kuban Krasnodar and Anzhi Makhachkala, is a veteran of over 200 Russian top-flight appearances and has played in the Champions League as well as for his country. Perhaps Yann M’Vila could provide a reference – if, of course, he is still on speaking terms…