Everton defender linked with David Moyes reunion at Sunderland

If there’s one thing Sunderland need right now, it’s an experienced centre-half to stop the current rot. And with just one point separating the bottom four sides in the Premier League, the Black Cats are reportedly looking to gain an advantage over their rivals by adding Phil Jagielka to their ranks.

There’s a strong chance of this move going ahead too, especially given that Sunderland boss David Moyes had worked alongside the 34-year-old before for five years at Everton.

And having already been an unused substitute on six occasions this season, it’s clear Jagielka’s time as a first-team regular at Goodison Park is coming to an end.

While West Ham are also reportedly interested in adding the former England international to their ranks, it’s the Black Cats who have the upper hand in the race for Jagielka’s signature, and he’d certainly be a welcome addition at the Stadium of Light.

Moyes’ men have just two clean sheets to their name this season, and while they’ve already conceded 40 goals, six of their 14 defeats have been by a one-goal margin.

A cooler, more experienced head at the back would add solidity to a defence which has a tendency to struggle to keep things tight throughout the course of 90 minutes.

In fact, 22.5 per cent of their goals conceded in the league have come in the last 10 minutes of games, resulting in them dropping six points in the latter stages of games.

However, should a move for the former Sheffield United man go ahead, it’s likely Moyes will have to give something in return. And that something could be his £18m-rated man, Lamina Kone.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman was reportedly keen on adding the 27-year-old to his ranks back in the summer, and he’ll likely come back for the Cote d’Ivoire international should Moyes make a move for Jagielka this month.

But that may not necessarily be a bad thing for supporters of the north-east outfit. Though it would mean they wouldn’t get the full £18m Everton were willing to pay for Kone a few months ago, they would in return be getting a centre-half with bags of Premier League

experience, and a transfer sum likely to be well over £10m.

And given their current position in the league, an increase in budget for transfers is certainly something Moyes could do with.

What do fans think? Would Jagielka’s arrival strengthen your survival chances?

Have your say in the comments section below!

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