Sunderland are looking to further explore the free-agent market this summer.
The Black Cats have already snapped up Simon Moore after he was released by Coventry City, with the goalkeeper coming in as Anthony Patterson’s understudy.
There are a number of quality free-agents available this summer, but competing with clubs around them to win the race for their signature is the hardest part.
Sunderland’s only free addition last summer was Bradley Dack, which certainly wasn’t the bargain the fans had hoped for.
Sunderland have a ‘very strong interest’ in relegated star
Supporters are a bit more optimistic about this year’s free target though, with recent reports claiming the Wearside outfit are chasing former Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Norwood.
The ‘wonderful’ veteran was released by the Blades after they were relegated to the Championship, and it was believed that West Brom and Watford were also eager to sign him.
Journalist Michael Graham has now issued an update on their pursuit, claiming that Sunderland are still ‘trying’ to win the race.
He wrote on X: “Very strong interest. #SAFC definitely talking to his agent and trying but so are others.”
Despite his release, Norwood still made 27 appearances in the Premier League last season and was a constant in their starting line-up in the second tier the season before, picking up seven goal contributions.
Oliver Norwood would be a brilliant signing
He is set to turn 34 years old next season but has already proven he still has the legs for Championship football and could be a real coup for the Black Cats.
Interest in him is likely to keep increasing though and it will come down to which option he prefers, while it would depend on how much game-time the club can promise him.
Norwood may want to stay in the north too which could give Sunderland the advantage over the likes of West Brom and Watford.
Sunderland desperately need an experienced, older figure like him in the team and there isn’t much of a better leader to bring in than one who has already won promotion a whopping four times.
If the club can get the deal over the line then that will give fans a lot of hope that the transfer policy has been rightfully adjusted and the board are making an extra effort to get the right balance this time.