Sunderland’s defence last year was one of only three to concede 80 goals last season.

This was largely due to sub-par goalkeepers more likely to catch a cold than a shot.

Each of Lee Camp, Jason Steele, and Robbin Ruiter failed to convince despite playing over ten games each.

A combined total of seven clean sheets for the season will tell Jack Ross all he needs to know. One potential replacement candidate is released Bristol City keeper Luke Steele.

While Jason Steele did little for the family name’s goalkeeping reputation in Wearside, Luke Steele had an impressive season despite being second choice.

The 33-year-old starred in the Robins’ stunning League Cup run. Beating three Premier League sides including Manchester United, they eventually lost to Manchester City in the semi-finals. His showing in the league was mixed. After a 5-0 thrashing at Aston Villa, he salvaged pride with back-to-back clean sheets against Derby and QPR.

Steele never fulfilled the potential Manchester United saw in him when they signed him as a youth player in 2002.

However, he has carved out a respectable career. His six years as Barnsley’s number one and three years guarding the Panathinaikos net, including in the Europa League, show that he has more than enough pedigree for Sunderland.

He would be a significant improvement on the current batch and instill the metal resolve that has been missing from the Sunderland defence in recent years.

As a free agent, he is the sort of value signing that the Black Cats are looking for.