As per one of the reports by Chronicle Live, Championship outfit Sunderland are keen to sign Motherwell’s defender Ben Heneghan before the ongoing summer transfer window ceases to exist. Heneghan’s contract, which confines him to the Fir Park expires at the end of this season, but the Englishman is reluctant to extend his contract. Such a scenario has come to the notice of Rangers, Queens Park Rangers and of course Sunderland.
The Black Cats, owing to their helpless run of form last term in the Premier League, were relegated to the English second division. Despite their demotion, their shambolic run of form has continued and in 5 league outings so far, they have collected merely 5 points and are placed at the 19th spot in the league table. In their latest fixture, they were left exposed by Barnsley who registered a 3-0 win over them last weekend. Simon Grayson does have loopholes to fix in order to strengthen his side.
Grayson has brought two quality defenders to the Stadium of Light already this summer with Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway being brought on loan from Premier League outfit Everton. Browning and Lamine Kone have been used as a partnership at the heart of their defensive line, but with their last outing being a catastrophe, reinforcements are the dire need of the hour. It is no illusion that they do need more quality to enhance their backline adequately. Thus, their apparent interest to sign Heneghan makes complete sense, for he indeed is a quality player.
Having developed through the youth ranks of Everton and Stoke City, the 23-year-old was lured to the senior side of Chester, wherein he impressed during his two seasons with them. Eventually, Scottish Premiership outfit Motherwell came for his signature last summer and prised him to their ranks. Last season, he played an instrumental role in his side’s 9th placed finish in the Scottish top division table and has become a subject of interest for many notable clubs.
Heneghan is a towering defender who, despite being a central defender, can efficiently work from the right-back slot. He has the requisite pace in his legs and does put a lot of effort week in and week out. His well-constructed physicality gives him an edge in winning the aerial duels and makes tackles and interceptions with a calm head. Besides, he has a decent amount of experience under his belt and would be a decent addition for Sunderland.
