Sunderland look set to make their second signing of the summer in the coming days.
Sunderland snapped up Simon Moore on a free transfer last month, before Regis Le Bris was named as the new head coach the following day.
The Frenchman has made it clear that the club are looking to add some experience to the squad to gain more of a balance, with the extremely young class of 2023-24 feeling the negative impact of having very few leaders.
The Black Cats had first targeted former Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Norwood, who has 381 Championship appearances and four promotions to his name.
However, it was reported yesterday that Sunderland had withdrawn their interest in the veteran after discovering that Alan Browne was ‘incredibly keen’ to move to Wearside.
The 29-year-old has racked up over 400 appearances for Preston North End and is now a free-agent after turning down a hugely lucrative contract.
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Sunderland set to sign midfielder with over 400 Championship appearances
Despite interest from the likes of Coventry City and Turkish side Goztepe, Sunderland look set to win the race for Browne, who has visited the north-east in recent days.
The Irish Examiner reported last night that the midfielder is to undergo a medical at the Academy of Light today, meaning confirmation of his arrival is very likely to happen this week.
Browne arrives at the club as only one of four players over the age of 25 years old.
The ‘outstanding‘ Republic of Ireland international was a constant in Preston’s starting line-up and is unlikely to move to the Stadium of Light as a benchwarmer.
Kristjaan Speakman looks to be firming up a high-quality midfield, with the likes of Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg surely some of the first names on the team-sheet.
Alan Browne is exactly what the Black Cats need
Le Bris will have to move players around to assure they all fit in though, but it would still be a surprise if Jobe was expected to take up that No.9 role once again. Meanwhile, Rigg will surely be put back into his favoured position given he is one of the most talented players in the whole squad.
Browne is very much an all-round midfielder and will add a bit of everything to the team.
The fact that Sunderland have now brought in two signings with a combined age of 63 years old is finally a sign that they have understood the issue.
A bit more experience in other positions and things will be looking very good and much more balanced.