This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Sunderland have been linked with a move to sign Luke Thomas from Barnsley this January.
As per the East Anglian Daily Times, Sunderland join Ipswich Town in keeping tabs on the Barnsley midfielder.
The 21-year-old set to be allowed to leave Oakwell this winter, but would he be a good signing for Lee Johnson at the Stadium of Light?
Our writers discuss…
Ned Holmes
I would love this move from Sunderland's perspective.
There's no doubt they could do with adding some more pace in the final third and Thomas would provide them with just that.
The 21-year-old hasn't looked out of place in the Championship this term, so you feel he could thrive in League One.
My only concern would be Johnson getting greedy and bringing in too many players, which would then obstruct the development of the likes of Jack Diamond.
That said, I think this signing would be a strong move.
Phil Spencer
Luke Thomas would certainly be a good signing.
The attacking midfielder has been a consistent part of the first team squad at Oakwell over the last year or so.
That's why it would be something of a surprise to see him leave the Championship club.
The 21-year-old would undoubtedly make a big impact for Sunderland but the question mark is if he would drop down a division to move to Wearside.
He'd certainly fit into Lee Johnson's side though, and so if the Black Cats can pull it off then it'd be a good signing.
Quiz: Did these 20 things happen to Sunderland in 2020?
Toby Wilding
I could see this being a decent signing for Sunderland.
It does feel as though they are rather short on potent attacking outlets at the minute, so you could understand their interest in adding an extra option such as Thomas to their ranks in that respect.
Given Thomas has previously shown flashes of potential at League One level in his career before as well, it could be argued that he could be a useful asset for Lee Johnson's side to help them improve their return in front of goal, and if the winger is allowed to leave, you do feel he will be determined to prove a point to those at Barnsley as well.
Add to that the fact there are other League One clubs supposedly interested in him as well, and Sunderland could be advised to look this deal done before one of their rivals beats them to it, which could then come back to bite them in the promotion race.