Sunderland are reportedly eyeing a move for goalkeeper Ben Alnwick according to journalist Alan Nixon. 

The Black Cats are likely to be in the market for a new shot-stopper, after it was revealed on Tuesday that Jon McLaughlin had left the club to join Scottish giants Rangers after his deal at the Stadium of Light reached a conclusion.

Alnwick started his career with Sunderland after coming through the academy ranks at the club, but left in 2007 to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

The 33-year-old has also been on the books with Peterborough United, where he caught the eye with a number of impressive performances in the third tier.

But his most recent spell was with Bolton Wanderers, who have had a forgetful few years recently, with their off-the-field troubles catching up with them, as they're now set to play their football in League Two ahead of next season.

Alnwick is now a free-agent and will be looking to have his long-term future resolved at the earliest of opportunities heading into the summer transfer window.

Sunderland will be eager to win promotion back into the Championship this season, after off-the-field events led to the League One season being curtailed on a PPG (points per game) basis, which meant that Phil Parkinson's side missed out on a top-six finish, much to the frustration of the club's supporters.

Can you score full marks in this Sunderland quiz? 

The Verdict: 

I'm not sure he's the right player to fill the void left by McLaughlin.

Alnwick does have experience of playing in the third tier of English football to a high standard with Peterborough United, but I just think his best days are already past him, as he's now 33.

The Black Cats need to look towards a long-term plan now that they've been condemned to another season in League One, so it's important that they sign a goalkeeper that is going to be part of that.

There are worse signings out there for Sunderland, but I still think they could do better.