NAC Breda are interested in taking 31-year-old Robbin Ruiter back to the Netherlands, according to a report in Voetbal International.

The Dutch side have recently lost their own keeper, Aro Muric, who has been recalled by parent club Manchester City.

That has left them looking for a new custodian and Ruiter has fallen on to their radar.

Ruiter has struggled for first team action this season at Sunderland having picked up an injury last term. Jon McLaughlin has secured the number one jersey for the early matches this campaign and has impressed sufficiently to keep his place.

Ruiter joined the Black Cats from Utrecht in 2016, but played just 21 games before picking up an injury in the January clash with Birmingham City. He's been on the bench for Jack Ross' side this season and is ahead of Polish keeper Max Stryjek in the pecking order.

Sunderland are currently fourth in the embryonic league table, two points behind pace-setters Peterborough and Portsmouth.

The Verdict

This could be a blow for the Black Cats if Ruiter wants to leave. McLaughlin has been excellent, but a keeper is always kept on his toes by competition and Stryjek perhaps isn't ready to step up.

If he does leave, Ross will possibly be looking for a loan keeper from the top flight to keep the pressure on his current custodian.

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