Sunderland are set to turn their attentions to Swansea left-back Declan John after their bid for Kilmarnock's Greg Taylor failed, as reported by Sky Sports' Keith Downie.

They launched a bid for Scotland international Taylor this week, going up against Celtic for his signature. Their bid of £750,000 was some way short of the £3m that Killie want for his services, a figure also being baulked at by Celtic.

That's led them elsewhere in their pursuit of a left-sided full-back to offer competition to Denver Hume. Having seen Reece James and Bryan Oviedo leave over the summer, Jack Ross is keen to add a new face before next week's transfer deadline.

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24-year-old John has been capped seven times by Wales and made 10 Championship appearances last season. He began his career with Cardiff City, making 20 Premier League appearances before a move north of the border with Rangers.

He made 26 SPFL appearance for the Ibrox giants before a switch the Liberty Stadium but has only appeared in the EFL Cup so far this season.

The Verdict

If the price is right, this is a far more sensible move for Sunderland than a swoop for Taylor. It seems £3m is too high for their tastes and rightly so; they're a third-tier side and have to act like it until they're promoted.

Declan John is the right profile for them. He's got higher-level experience, he's not getting regular football at the moment and he has a point to prove.

Like Taylor he's played for his country, like Taylor he has SPFL experience but he's also likely not to cost the earth.

I could see him getting the nod over Denver Hume if he signs, that's for sure. He's got the attacking intent to fit Ross' initial wing-back tactic but can operate in a flat back four as well.