Sunderland are interested in signing Preston North End defender Tommy Spurr, according to The Lancashire Evening Post.

Sunderland and Oldham Athletic are ready to move for Spurr, who could leave Preston this summer in search of first-team football.

The versatile defender, who operates at centre-half or left-back, joined Preston in 2016 on a free transfer after leaving Blackburn Rovers.

The Leeds-born defender came through the ranks at Sheffield Wednesday and has since played for Doncaster Rovers, Blackburn and Preston in the Championship and League One.

With nearly 400 senior appearances to his name, Spurr is an experienced defender in the second and third tier.

But after playing just five times last year for the Lilywhites, the 30-year-old is considering a move away from Deepdale for the sake of his career.

Sunderland are searching for a new centre-back this summer after Jake Clarke-Salter returned to parent club Chelsea and John O'Shea and Marc Wilson left on free transfers.

Two other centre-halves, Papy Djilobodji and Lamine Kone, are expected to depart due to their high wages from the Premier League era.

The Verdict

Spurr would be a solid signing at League One level.

His experience would be invaluable for Sunderland and he has won promotion from League One before, when he was with Doncaster.

Sunderland need more than one centre-back this summer and Spurr would be a cheap option to join Alim Ozturk as part of their defensive rebuilding project.

Sunderland fans - Would you like to sign Spurr? Let us know below...