Sunderland are reportedly close to securing a deal for Walsall captain George Dobson.

Jack Ross has added goalkeeper Lee Burge and right-back Connor McLaughlin so far this summer and it appears the Saddlers’ midfielder is set to be his third signing.

According to the Northern Echo, Sunderland officials have been in contact with Walsall and are hopeful that a deal will be completed shortly.

Dobson was one of the bright sparks for Walsall last season, as the club slumped to a 22nd-place finish and relegation from League One.

Despite being just 21 years old, Dobson took the captain’s armband for the majority of the season and was his side’s most productive player creatively, grabbing eight assists in 44 appearances.

A graduate of both the Arsenal and West Ham United academies, the defensive midfielder arrived at the Bescot Stadium from Sparta Rotterdam in January 2018 and has made 91 appearances for the club since.

Walsall look ready to cash-in on Dobson as they prepare for life in League Two this season. 

Ross is likely to be eyeing reinforcements in central midfield after Lee Cattermole left the Stadium of Light last week.

The Verdict

This looks like it could be a smart signing for Ross as he looks to add some quality to his team ahead of another promotion push.

Dobson showed for Walsall that he has the ability to thrive in League One and he should be even better in a Sunderland team that will surely be around the top of the table in 2019/20.

The midfielder brings leadership qualities, given that he was made the Walsall captain last season, and at the age of 21 should be able to develop further as a player over the next few years.

Despite Cattermole’s departure, the arrival of Dobson would give the Black Cats some real depth in central midfield. Ross already has Grant Leadbitter, Max Power, Dylan McGeouch and Luke O’Nien to choose from in the senior squad.

McGeouch’s future appears to still be up in the air and Dobson’s arrival could suggest he is set to leave the club.