Sunderland, having missed out on a Championship return following their play-off final defeat against Charlton, are gearing up again for the upcoming campaign to make things right. The club’s ownership situation is yet to be resolved, but Jack Ross is keeping close tabs on his transfer targets.
Ross is plotting a move for Chris Cadden, the Motherwell winger, who is a free agent after his contract expired at Fir Park today, according to Scottish Daily Express print edition (as cited by Football Scotland).
Cadden, 22, progressed through the youth ranks of the Steelmen, making 139 senior appearances for them since 2014. He has earned two senior caps for Scotland and is also capable of featuring in central midfield, down the right as well as in a makeshift wingback role. He was sidelined for around four months after suffering a knee injury midway through the previous term but regained his fitness and was back in action during the conclusive weeks of the 2018-19 season.
The player, however, has decided not to extend his stay at his boyhood club and is also being tracked by Oxford United ahead of a potential summer switch. The Black Cats, however, would have to pay a development fee to Motherwell to secure Cadden’s services and the amount is likely to be in the region of £200,000 as per the FIFA regulations based on a player’s move from one association to another.
The Wearside outfit, meanwhile, have received a boost in the pursuit of Charlton centre-back Jason Pearce. The veteran Englishman has his heart set on a return to Portsmouth (according to Portsmouth News, as cited by Chronicle Live) where it all began for him 15 years back. Kenny Jackett, meanwhile, has admitted that Pompey are unlikely to make further inclusions this window (as reported by Sunderland Echo) and Ross, therefore, has received a massive boost in pursuit of the 31-year-old.
Pearce, incidentally, played his part in the Addicks momentous triumph against Sunderland when he was introduced at half-time replacing Mouhamadou-Naby Sarr. But the skipper was mostly utilised sporadically having made 28 appearances last season in all c0mpetitions.
The Black Cats require experience in deep defence and Pearce who has made more than 500 senior outings in club football, would add value to their vulnerable backline that conceded 49 goals in 49 league games including the playoff encounters. Cadden, on the other hand, is likely to inject pace, fluidity as well as much-needed flexibility within the squad. But the club must not delay it further and should come up with offers to rope in the duo fending off interest from fellow suitors.
