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 are interested in signing former Burnley striker Tinashe Chakwana, according to respected journalist Alan Nixon.

The 20-year-old is looking for a new club this summer after he was released by Burnley and Nixon claims that Sunderland are one of the clubs considering offering him a deal.

Sunderland manager Jack Ross is looking to add some more firepower up front, after his side just missed out on promotion to the Championship last season.

Championship newcomers Barnsley are also interested in offering the striker a contract, but it seems as though they will now face competition from the Black Cats for his signature.

Chakwana did not make a senior appearance for Burnley but was an important player for their under-23 side and his impressive performances have attracted the attention of other clubs.

So, would Chakwana be a good signing for Sunderland? We discuss...

Toby Wilding

"This is an interesting one.

"Sunderland have struggled for a regular goalscorer since the departure of Josh Maja in January, so it is no surprise to see that has been an area they have looked to address - so far unsuccessfully - in the summer transfer window.

"While an attacker is therefore likely to remain a high priority at the Stadium of Light, I'm not too sure that Chakwana would inspire a huge amount of confidence in the Black Cats' faithful heading into the new season, considering his lack of experience in first-team football.

"You feel that as a result of that, Sunderland would probably be expected to bring in a more experienced forward player alongside Chakwana, although the fact that he is available on a free transfer does at least mean they will not stand to lose as much should this particular transfer fail to work out."

George Dagless

"It's worth a look.

"He's not played much at a senior level but he must have a bit about him to be on the books of a Premier League side in Burnley - even if he has just been released.

"He's a quick forward that likes to play on the shoulder and that should excite Sunderland fans whilst there's a case to suggest that Sunderland do need another forward at least in their ranks.

"Will Grigg and Charlie Wyke both struggled for goals last season and if they had found their shooting boots Sunderland might have gone up.

"If Chakwana can deliver goals he'll go down as a real hero for the Black Cats."

Ned Holmes

"Jack Ross needs some striking reinforcements and Chakwana could be a shrewd move having been released.

"After the exit of Josh Maja in January, none of the Scotsman’s striking options could find any consistency, with both Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg finishing the campaign with just five goals each.

"Chakwana has been likened in the past to Jermain Defoe and has a good goalscoring record for the Burnley youth sides, having finished as the under-23s’ top scorer in 2017/18 season and the under-18s’ top scorer the previous season.

"The Zimbabwean may not be ready for the first team quite yet but his pace could offer Ross a different option up front."