Sunderland edging Ipswich in race to sign Bournemouth defender

With Sunderland currently residing in the Premier League relegation zone, the January transfer window is of crucial importance for boss David Moyes. And he could be about to boost his side’s survival hopes with the signing of Tyrone Mings.

The left-back joined Bournemouth from Ipswich Town amid much fanfare in summer 2015, for an estimated figure of £8m, but spent a year on the sidelines following an injury on his league debut.

But despite failing to oust Charlie Daniels as first-choice left-back upon his return, there’s no doubt 23-year-old Mings would be a useful addition to any number of clubs – and it’s Sunderland who currently lead the race for his signature at 7/4.

With Moyes’ men currently having the joint-third worst defensive record in the top-flight, it would be no surprise to see the Scot strengthen his backline this month.

Giant but surprisingly mobile, the 6ft 5in defender is a dominant force in the air, as well as being composed and creative on the ball – chalking up eight assists during his time at Portman Road.

And it’s Ipswich who sit second in the betting, with 5/2 for a return to East Anglia, having played 62 times for the club from 2013-15.

They’re followed in the betting by Hull City and West Bromwich Albion, with the top-flight pair 7/2 apiece to secure Mings’ signature.

Next up for Sunderland is a crucial home game against Stoke on Saturday, with a victory at 19/10 likely to take the Black Cats out of the relegation zone.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing