Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing Swindon Town midfielder Michael Doughty but face competition from Championship sides Hull City and Brentford, HITC reports. 

Doughty has been one of Swindon's, and one of League Two's, stand out performers so far this season, scoring five goals and assisting two more.

He is the joint top-scorer in League Two and his performances have caught the eye of club's higher up the Football League pyramid.

The midfielder only made the move to the League Two club, with whom he spent the 2016/17 season with in League One, in the summer after being released by Peterborough United.

Yet, the Black Cats face competition to finalise a deal. Brentford are keen on bringing in another central-midfielder after Ryan Woods' loan to Championship rivals Stoke City this week, whilst Nigel Adkins is looking to boost his squad too.

The 25-year-old came through the ranks at Queens Park Rangers before spending loan spells with Crawley, Aldershot, St Johnstone, Stevenage, Gillingham and Stevenage before he was signed permanently by Peterborough in the summer of 2017.

The verdict 

I think all three of these clubs are in danger of letting stats cloud their judgement.

Four of Doughty's five goals have come from the spot this season and the fact he only scored once for Peterborough United in 34 appearances should be more of a warning to the sides.

He did struggle for confidence at the Posh and may have regained his mojo at Swindon, but he is not as good as many are portraying him to be.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below?