EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland enter chase to sign former Leeds and Middlesbrough man

A striker is not the only pressing need Sunderland have heading into the final week of the transfer window...

Sunderland hold an interest in midfield free agent Adam Forshaw, although they will have to beat off competition from several other Championship clubs to get him, Sunderland Nation can reveal.

The Black Cats have found themselves short of experienced central midfield options with captain Corry Evans on the long-term injury list, and that situation was exacerbated by Jay Matete joining him.

That has seen a youthful midfield trio of Pierre Ekwah, Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham used so far this season, with an even younger Chris Rigg the next in line.

Understandably, that has seen technical director Kristjaan Speakman examine options in the market, and Forshaw has emerged as a serious target.

Sunderland have a strict transfer model of not paying fees for players over the age of 24 but, as evidenced by the recent signing of Bradley Dack, they are always on the lookout for clever free agent additions as well.

Forshaw fits that bill. The 31-year-old has a wealth of Championship experience having twice been promoted with Middlesbrough and Leeds, and he has played at Premier League level with both of those clubs too.

He left Leeds at the end of last season after his contract was not renewed, but he is not short on suitors in the Championship so Sunderland will have to compete to get him.

Earlier this month, head coach Tony Mowbray explained the club was searching for another midfield addition and why he felt it was so vital, saying: “We are mindful that we are a bit light in that central-midfield area.

“If Dan or Pierre was a to pick up an injury, it suddenly starts to look really thin in that area of the pitch.

“We could drop Jobe in there, but he is a 17-year-old boy.

“That seems daft because at some stage, if you make a substitution, you’ll have a 16-year-old (Rigg) and a 17-year-old playing centre-mid in the Championship, which is not ideal.

“It’s an area that potentially we might look for a more experienced footballer to help the area out.

“Dan is 21, Pierre is 21 - it's not as if they are 26 or 27 and have 300 appearances under their belts.”

Forshaw certainly fits that criteria, and Mowbray will be hoping Sunderland can win the race to get him. 

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