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...

With Sunderland still six points off top spot in League One, manager Phil Parkinson is looking to freshen up his side during the January transfer window, with the Sunderland Echo reporting that the Black Cats are targeting Nottingham Forest flop Zach Clough.

Parkinson was at the helm of Bolton Wanderers when Clough sealed a £2.5 million move to Nottingham Forest three years ago, but the diminutive forward failed to live up to expectations at the City Ground so a reunion with his former boss could help Clough get back to his best.

So would Clough be a good addition at the Stadium of Light and is he actually needed?

We discuss........

Jordan Rushworth

“Clough clearly needs to get away from Nottingham Forest having found himself completely frozen out of the first team picture at the City Ground, and a move Sunderland could be exactly the right one to help him get his career back on track.

“Sunderland have at times this season lacked some creativity in the final third to break down well organised defences, and Clough certainly offers the sort of technical ability in possession to break down defences when he is on top of his game.

“Clough spent time on loan with Rochdale last season, but he was unable to really impress for the League One club last term, which suggests that Phil Parkinson’s side could be taking something of a risk in bringing him to the club.

“However, he would likely be a low cost signing for Sunderland, so it would certainly seem worth the gamble for the Black Cats, with Clough having the potential to make a real difference in the final third if he manages to regain his confidence.”

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Josh Cole

“This could turn out to be a solid addition by Sunderland providing that Clough is able to adapt to his new surroundings at the Stadium of Light.

“A peripheral figure at Forest in recent years, the forward has failed to replicate the performance levels which he produced during his successful spell with Bolton Wanderers.

“Although Clough’s issues with injuries will be somewhat of a concern for Sunderland, he could help the club launch a late bid for automatic promotion if he stays fit.

“Having provided 10 direct goal contributions in 32 appearances at League One level, the 24-year-old knows what it takes to compete in this division and thus it may be worth the Black Cats taking a risk on him.”

George Harbey

"I think Sunderland is too much of a big move for Clough, who is desperate to reignite his career elsewhere and earn some regular game time which would be so invaluable.

"It has been a massive fall from grace for Clough - it seems like an eternity ago where he was one of the brighest prospects in the EFL, scoring plenty of goals for Bolton Wanderers in League One.

"His start to life at the City Ground was impressive but he has dropped off massively since, and the fact he hasn't played a senior game of football for Forest since January 2018 tells a massive story in itself.

"He needs to get back up to match sharpness and fitness, and I don't think he'd be ready for helping Sunderland push for promotion in League One having flattered to deceive on loan at Rochdale last term.

"Even a move to League Two could be a better option for him."