Shrewsbury Town midfielder Ollie Norburn has become the latest subject of an enquiry by Sunderland as the Black Cats continue their search for a midfielder. 

Chronicle Live have reported today that the 27-year-old is among several options under consideration as Sunderland continue their pursuit of a midfielder this transfer window.

Norburn has reportedly attracted interest from Sunderland but there has been no in depth discussions for the midfielder as of yet.

Black Cats' boss Phil Parkinson is keen to strengthen the position with Cardiff's Will Vaulks and Rangers' Greg Docherty also targets for the Wearside club.

Norburn has turned out 23 times for Shrewsbury so far this term across all competitions scoring three goals for the club, with his most recent coming in the 1-1 draw with Lincoln City ten days ago.

The Black Cats have already completed two signings so far this window with the signing of Kyle Lafferty and the loan signing of Bailey Wright, which they confirmed earlier today.

Norburn has been with the Shrews since arriving at the club from Tranmere Rovers back in 2018 and has so far made 72 appearances, scoring 14 goals and chipping in with five assists for the League One side.

The 27-year-old's contract at New Meadow still has 18 months left on it and it will be interesting to see if the club cash in on one of their regular performers this window.

The Verdict

Norburn is certainly a key player down at New Meadow and has even captained the side 17 times already this term, and I think it would be hard to envisage the Shrews letting him go.

Sunderland are clearly desperate to secure a midfield signing this window and are certainly considering many options this window, with Norburn being the latest name linked with the club.

Looking at the situation, I think that Will Vaulks or Greg Docherty could be the club's favoured choices, and that Norburn may remain a contingency plan until the Black Cats' know what is happening with Vaulks and Docherty.

Although Norburn has only made 58 appearances in League One, he has been a consistent performer for Shrewsbury and whilst Sunderland may look at other options if they were to be promoted, he could certainly do a job for the Black Cats' as they look to maintain their position in the play-off picture.

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