Sunderland have apparently re-ignited their interest in signing Everton defender Phil Jagielka in the January transfer window. There were strong links in the summer with regard to David Moyes wanting to re-unite with his former protégé. But things failed to materialise with Moyes able to hang onto Lamine Kone and Jagielka remaining at Goodison Park in light of the lack of depth in the squad.
But with Sunderland struggling big time in the league and time and options both running out for Moyes at an alarming rate, he is likely to look towards more familiar faces as the last ditch attempt to salvage some pride this season and hope to pull off a miracle.
Sunderland are rooted to the bottom of the table with a loss against West Bromwich Albion compounding their misery on a day when Swansea City won at Anfield and scripted history. The level of competition and intensity is unprecedented and it is extremely tough to fathom from where Moyes will conjure the requisite factors to make a last ditch attempt to resurrect their season.
After two disastrous stints at Manchester United and Real Sociedad, Moyes would have hoped for a better project and coming back to familiar surroundings in England, it seemed as if with the lowered expectations he could build a solid base at Sunderland and work his way from that. But neither luck nor the board has been kind on him and with the finances in disarray at the club along with the plethora of injuries which has stripped his team of any quality and substance, he finds himself in midst of utter chaos.
They need to sell to buy but have no one to sell. That is the extent of mismanagement of the folks at the club and now it is up to Moyes to turn things around as time is running out.
With Lamine Kone off to the AFCON and O’Shea not in a physical state to play 90 mins week in, week out, a centre-back is obviously a priority and the Black Cats are hoping with the England international out of favour at Goodison, he might be available for cheap. Koeman is looking at options with long-term alternatives in mind and Jagielka is likely to make way.
He will bring in much-needed leadership and composure at the back. With Everton fighting to break into the Top 6, he might have been surplus to requirements but at the Stadium of Light, his experience aligned with his quality will be Godsend.
It is a deal which will hugely benefit Moyes and his team and they should look to firm up their interest and get things done.