Out of favour 'keeper Mark Bunn would be an inspired signing for Sunderland.

The Aston Villa stopper has previously plied his trade across the Football League and even played in the Premier League. However, he has been kept out of the side by Sam Johnstone’s sensational form as Aston Villa became one of the most watertight defences in the Championship. This has resulted in Bunn’s sole appearance being a meaningless end of season run-out against Millwall.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are a side in desperate need of rebuilding as they prepare for life in League One. One of the main issues was a leaky defence that conceded 80 times. This wasn’t helped by a rotating cast of unimpressive keepers. None of Lee Camp, Jason Steele, or Robbin Ruiter impressed enough to secure a regular starting place. None of them should be considered the keeper to take into next season.

Mark Bunn may be an unusual option given his historic role as back-up keeper, but he has been reliable whenever called on. It will also be difficult for Sunderland, with their limited resources and lower league status, to attract players of a similarly high calibre. Given that Bunn joined Aston Villa on a free transfer, it is unlikely that Aston Villa would ask for any transfer fee. Meanwhile, Bunn would likely be prepared to drop down a division in return for being guaranteed the first team jersey. It may be unorthodox, but that’s what Sunderland will have to be to reverse their current decline.