Sunderland are set to offer a contract to free agent Robbin Ruiter as other clubs start entering the race for him.

According to HITC Sport, Robbin Ruiter will be offered a deal by Sunderland after attracting interest from Hull City and Burnley.

Sunderland recently took Robbin Ruiter on trial as they searched for a new goalkeeper.

The Black Cats had lost Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone to Everton and Reading respectively, leaving them with last season's third choice goalkeeper Mika and young and inexperienced stopper Max Stryjek as their only two options.

Simon Grayson moved swiftly to bring in Jason Steele from Blackburn Rovers and is now keen on signing Robbin Ruiter as well to provide competition.

The towering Dutchman is a free agent after leaving FC Utrecht.

The 30-year-old, who stands at 6ft 5in tall, spent five years with the Dutch Eredivisie side before leaving at the end of last season.

Available on a free transfer, Ruiter is now attracting attention from Hull City and Burnley.

Hull could look to bring in another stopper after losing Eldin Jakupovic to Leicester City while Burnley will be chasing a back-up option to Tom Heaton.

Sunderland are now set to offer Robbin Ruiter a contract with the club after he impressed two pre-season friendly matches against Bradford City and Scunthorpe United.

The Verdict

Robbin Ruiter has impressed during pre-season for Sunderland and they do need another goalkeeper to compete with Jason Steele.

Jason Steele lost his place between the sticks for Blackburn last season and formed part of a leaky defence.

Signing Robbin Ruiter could force Steele to return to his best form as the pair compete for the starting spot.

As for Hull City, Ruiter's arrival could mean that either David Marshall or Allan McGregor are set for an exit.

However, Sunderland remain in pole position and it is wise to offer him a contract now before more clubs are alerted to his availability on a free transfer.

Sunderland fans - would Ruiter be a good signing? Let us know below...