Sunderland are reportedly weighing up the possibility of offering coach Andrew Taylor a short-term deal to solve their defensive injury problems according to The Northern Echo. 

It was recently confirmed that January loan signing Bailey Wright is set for a spell on the sidelines for 8-12 weeks with an ankle injury picked up in their win over Oxford United.

With Joel Lynch still recovering from a head injury from their defeat to Portsmouth earlier this season, it leaves Phil Parkinson short of options in defence.

So, it seems as though Phil Parkinson could 'promote' from within, and is reportedly tempted to offer Taylor a short-term deal to cover in defence when required.

Taylor announced his retirement from his playing career in September 2019, whilst with Bolton Wanderers and linked up with Sunderland in a coaching role.

Sunderland are currently sat fifth in the League One table, and will be hoping they can keep up the pressure on league-leaders Rotherham United, who are just three points clear of the Black Cats.

We look at TWO pros and TWO cons to Sunderland considering a short-term deal for Taylor this month.

Pro: Taylor knows Phil Parkinson well. 

Taylor has previously worked with Parkinson whilst at Bolton Wanderers, so he can clearly be trusted by the Sunderland boss if called upon.

He made 88 appearances in total for Bolton, and has clearly added something to Sunderland's coaching team, as the Black Cats' results have shown improvement since Parkinson and his coaching staff were appointed.

Con: His lack of match fitness.

Taylor announced his retirement in September 2019, and has been focusing on his coaching career with Sunderland since Parkinson brought him to the Stadium of Light.

Therefore, if Sunderland are weighing up the prospect of offering him a short-term deal, there will surely be questions raised as to whether he has the match fitness to come into the starting XI when required.

Sunderland need a player that is going to be ready to come into the side if needed, and Taylor doesn't fit that description at this moment in time.

Are these Sunderland facts true or false? Test your knowledge in our quiz!

Pro: He has experience of playing in the Football League. 

Taylor has a vast amount of experience in the Football League, having featured for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic and Reading earlier in his career.

The free-agent market is often a tough market to explore, as the majority of players that are there at this stage of the season, are there for a reason.

But Taylor technically isn't in that category, as he announced his retirement from football earlier this season. So, he's a cheap short-term option that could be worth the gamble by Phil Parkinson's side.

Con: Is he good enough to be in a promotion-chasing side though? 

Sunderland are currently sat fifth in the League One table, and are just three points adrift of league-leaders Rotherham United, so promotion is potentially on the cards this season.

Taylor's most recent club was Bolton Wanderers, as they struggled in the Championship in the 2018/19 season.

There are likely to be questions raised as to whether he is good enough for Sunderland, and whether he is match-fit after retiring from his playing career in September 2019.