A free agent midfielder who Sunderland were linked with earlier this summer is now on trial in League One.
Sunderland have made use of the free agent market so far this summer.
Kristjaan Speakman kick-started the Black Cats’ summer transfer business with the free signing of goalkeeper Simon Moore, following it up with the impressive capture of experienced Championship midfielder Alan Browne.
Last month, Sunderland signed Ian Poveda, taking their summer signings tally to three, with many more expected, or rather hoped, before the August 30th transfer deadline.
Sunderland are trying to sign Ike Ugbo from Troyes and are battling Sheffield Wednesday for the Canadian international’s signature.
It comes after Sunderland faced uncertainty over a move for Alexandre Mendy, who is reportedly keen on a move to the Stadium of Light this summer.
A number of names have been linked with summer moves to Wearside. Transfer activity though remains quite slow, and pressure will soon start to build on Speakman to deliver.
Former Sunderland target Oliver Norwood now on trial in League One
Sunderland were linked with Oliver Norwood earlier this summer.
It was said that the Black Cats were weighing up a free swoop for Norwood, 33, following his release by Sheffield United this summer.
The Blades were relegated from the Premier League and have since cleared their decks, letting go of Norwood who’s racked up 381 Championship appearances in his career so far.
Now though, it’s been revealed that Norwood featured as a trialist for Stockport County in a friendly game vs Blackburn Rovers on Friday.
Should Sunderland still consider swooping in for Oliver Norwood
Sunderland certainly needed to add Championship experience to their ranks this summer.
Speakman has done that with his summer signings so far, though it’s Browne who’s really the only one that’ll add vast Championship experience to the XI next season.
And it may be that Sunderland brought in Browne and have since dropped their interest in Norwood.
With possible exits in the midfield this summer, amid Pierre Ekwah’s links to Leicester City, another central player would be necessary, and Norwood fits the bill.
He’s as experienced as they come in the Championship and being on trial with Stockport suggests that he’s more than open to a new challenge this summer.
But it may also be the case that Stockport are far down the line with a possible deal for Norwood, who’d be a huge coup for a League One club.
Sunderland also appear to have more focus on a striker signing right now too.