Sunderland are lining up a move for Swedish defender Martin Olsson, as reported by Football Insider.

Olsson has recently been released by Swansea and is a free agent, making him a viable option for the frugal Black Cats. They're having to watch their spending this summer as part of financial fair play rules, making Olsson an attractive target.

Jack Ross is in the market for some cover at left back, having seen Reece James and Bryan Oviedo leave for Doncaster and Copenhagen respectively.

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31-year-old Olsson has been capped 48 times for his country and has enjoyed a long and successful spell in the English game. He played 117 times in the Premier League for Blackburn during a six-year stint at Ewood Park, then moved to Norwich City.

58 of his 119 appearances for the Canaries came in the top flight and he helped them promotion in 2015 via the Championship play-offs. He then swapped Norfolk for South Wales, enjoying three seasons with Swansea, two of which also came in the Premier League.

Sunderland are preparing to face Ipswich this weekend, with Denver Hume the current incumbent of the left back spot.

The Verdict

This would seemingly be a strong signing for the Black Cats. Olsson has lots of top-flight experience and could certainly add depth to the current squad.

Would he displace Denver Hume? It would surely be a case of him wanting to play regular football wherever he signed, but what sort of message would that send to the young players coming through?

Also, is Olsson all that different to Bryan Oviedo? They're a similar age and have a similar background in terms of international football and Premier League experience.

Whilst he would add to the current squad, it might be a costly move in terms of wages.