Sunderland are still in the market for new faces as their League One transfer window remains open, for now.

The Championship might have seen their window shut, but the Black Cats are able to recruit until next week. Despite having a strong squad, Jack Ross is keen to bolster his options with Kilmarnock’s Greg Taylor.

We ask FLW writer Gary Hutchinson all about the latest name to be linked with a move to Sunderland in our latest six-point opinion piece.

Who is Greg Taylor?

“He’s a left-back, currently playing for Kilmarnock in the SPFL.

“He’s only 21-years-old and although he is known for playing on the left side of defence, he is capable of slotting into the midfield and playing centrally in a four, or on the left of a three-man backline.”

What is his background?

“He served his apprenticeship with Rangers, one of the biggest clubs in Great Britain. Despite his upbringing, he wasn’t able to convince them he was worth a contract, released for being ‘too small’ as a 16-year-old.

“Kilmarnock saw his worth though and signed him up. He’s already got 111 SPFL appearances under his belt at such a tender age.

“Last year he helped Killie to a Europa League qualification spot and earned his first call-up to the full Scotland side, making his debut against Belgium.

“He’s been the subject of interest from Germany this summer, with a bid from Nurnburg rejected before the Sunderland interest emerged.”

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Why do Sunderland need him?

“Despite having a strong squad, they look very weak at left-back. Denver Hume hasn’t had a great start to the season and we’ve seen Conor McLaughlin played out of position on the left.

“That hasn’t been helped by Jack Ross going to a three-man defence, young Hume looked ill at ease with a wing-back role.

“Having seen Reece James and Bryan Oviedo leave in the summer, Ross desperately needs a player who can come in and take up a permanent place on the left side of defence.

“Taylor is custom-made for the role and can offer a degree of flexibility as well.”

What sort of money are we talking here?

“That depends who you ask. If you’re Kilmarnock, we’re talking £3m.

“That’s a big sum of money even for a Championship side to be spending and Sunderland are not in a position to splash that sort of cash.

They offered £750,000 which was rejected by Killie. It seems we’ve already reached an impasse in the deal at this early stage with little agreement on the price.”

Is a deal likely?

“No, I don’t think it's possible.

“Celtic are also in the hunt and even they won’t go to the £3m asking price. Even if there is some movement, it’s not likely to be down to the tune of £2m.

“Sunderland did get carried away when bidding for Will Grigg, but this is silly money for a left-back.

“The level of competition for his signature, coupled with the high valuation by Kilmarnock makes this a non-starter in my eyes.”

What are the alternatives?

“Declan John is the name being mentioned. He’s a full Wales international who has previously been with Cardiff City and Rangers.

“He’s currently on the books of Swansea City, but after a handful of appearances last season he has fallen out of favour with them. He’s only appeared in the League Cup this time out and a deal could easily be struck.

“He would seem a cheaper, more sensible option. If Sunderland rate Greg Taylor and they want him for the future, then waiting six months and monitoring his form and his price tag is surely the most sensible policy.

“A deal right now seems dead in the water.”