Sunderland manager Jack Ross is looking to strengthen his squad as we head into the business end of the League One season, with 33-year-old Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter in talks to join the club, as reported in Sky Sports.

The Boro club captain would have to take a large pay cut to return to his boyhood club where he began his career and spent seven years between 2002 and 2009, racking up 123 appearances across all competitions.

So if Leadbitter signs, who should he replace in the Sunderland starting XI?

We discuss.....

Gary Hutchinson

“Nobody.

“I wouldn’t play him. Harsh maybe, but Sunderland play two holding midfielders.

“They’ve got Power, Cattermole, McGeough, O’Nien and a couple of others happy to sit in that role.

“It sends the wrong message if the newcomer walks into the side.”

Louie Chandler

"Probably Cattermole.

"I wouldn't imagine it would be permanently, but Ross will probably want to rotate the two old heads in the squad.

"Sunderland do look significantly weaker without Cattermole so it will be a big boost."

Jacob Potter

"It’s got to be Lee Cattermole hasn’t it?

"Leadbitter and Cattermole play similar role in midfield, and I can’t see Jack Ross wanting both to play in the same side.

"This would be an excellent signing for the Black Cats and could prove to be the missing piece in their promotion jigsaw."

Jay Taylor

“I am unsure he would be a starter often to replace someone in the starting XI on a regular basis.

“His experience and knowledge of the club could be invaluable come the end of the season and during the run-in towards the climax.

“To have Leadbitter in the dressing room and on the training field, that could be where the signing pays dividends most without playing too often.

“But if I was pushed for a player, I would say Lee Cattermole – the current Sunderland player does not have the panache as Leadbitter does in the middle and the latter would be a better option there."

Alfie Burns

“We’re talking about a good, experienced player here, but he’s got to earn that right.

“For me, Sunderland are fine as they are in that midfield area.

“Over the course of the season Leadbitter would come in, but there’s no guarantees that’ll be straight away.”