Sunderland could look to make use of the ongoing troubles at Bolton Wanderers by making a move for defender Harry Brockbank. 

The 20-year-old made his jump into the first team picture with the Trotters last season and has suitably impressed onlooking scouts, including those at Sunderland, where according to Alan Nixon, the club are set to make their move for the youngster.

Sunderland are looking to make improvements to the squad following their loss to Charlton Athletic in the League One play-off final, and manager Jack Ross will see Brockbank as the ideal sort of signing given his age and potential for improvement.

Brockbank is highly thought of in Lancashire, but with the ongoing off-field problems still yet to be resolved at the club, he could well see his future elsewhere as he seeks some security and assurances.

Bolton themselves have just been relegated to League One and will be hoping to challenge Sunderland in terms of promotion next season. However, the financial fiasco engulfing the club at the moment means they are open to losing plenty of players, with Sunderland waiting in the wings to snap up Brockbank.

The Verdict

This would be a huge loss for Bolton but a massive win for Sunderland if they can pick up the youngster.

Brockbank looked impressive when he did play for the Trotters and despite their struggles, he showed enough to suggest he might have a decent career in the game.

Sunderland need fresh faces following their own misery, and signing the youngster might well be a shrewd move by the club.