Sunderland are on the verge of adding to their squad eight days into the January transfer window.

Republic of Ireland U21 international Jimmy Dunne is closing in on a temporary switch to the Stadium of Light to help the Black Cats to continue their promotion push.

This is from what Chronicle Live have reported, and was seemingly backed up by club owner Stewart Donald, who told the Roker Report podcast, as reported via the Roker Report website, that a defender was close to joining the club.

And that man is seemingly the highly-rated Burnley defender.

The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Hearts in the Scottish Premier League, earning a call-up to the provisional squad for the November internationals for the senior Republic of Ireland side, although he missed out on the final squad.

Dunne is no stranger to the EFL, however, having been on loan at Accrington Stanley last season as they were promoted to League One.

The Verdict

This would be a pretty astute loan signing for Sunderland, considering he was at Hearts earlier in the season.

Jimmy Dunne knows how to get promotion having done so with Accrington last term and will be in a glorious position with Sunderland to do so once more if they can maintain their form.

The highly-rated defender could be a key player for Jack Ross’ side, who have faltered at late conceding far too many goals if they are to maintain an attack on the top two of the division.

Sunderland will be much improved should Dunne join the League One side for the rest of the season.

Thoughts? Let us know!