Sunderland are considering a loan move for Burnley’s Jonathan Walters and could his experience be just what they need?
Jeff Hendrick and Jonathan Walters of Burnley look dejected after the Premier League match against Manchester United.
The Black Cats are in need of recruitment in attack following the return of top-scorer Lewis Grabban to parent club Bournemouth.
Lewis Grabban of Sunderland scores during the Sky Bet Championship match against Aston Villa.
Walters joined the Clarets from Stoke City last summer in a £3m deal, but is yet to start a match for the club and has played just five times in all competitions.
With the departure of Grabban, Chris Coleman’s side – who are currently bottom of the Championship – are lacking experience upfront with Joel Asoro and Josh Maja still teenagers.
Chris Coleman, manager of Sunderland, during the Sky Bet Championship match against Reading.
With 136 games to his name in the second tier of English football – not to mention a further 233 in the Premier League and 51 caps for Republic of Ireland – that is something Walters has bags of at this level and could be just what the Wearsiders need.
Although the 34-year-old has never been a prolific scorer, his influence and character both on and off the pitch could be a huge help for Coleman in what looks to be a relegation battle stretching until the end of the season.
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