This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Phil Parkinson is hoping to strengthen his Sunderland squad, with the Black Cats looking to secure a deal for Bolton Wanderers defender Harry Brockbank, according to a report from The Sun journalist Alan Nixon on Twitter.
The Black Cats have brought themselves right back into the promotion mix and are now unbeaten in seven, sitting in sixth place now six points adrift of leaders Rotherham United.
So would Brockbank be a good addition at the Stadium of Light, is he needed and would he get into the starting XI?
We discuss...........
Kris Smith
“I don’t think that Brockbank immediately gets into Sunderland’s starting 11, given then current form of their back four, along with the lack of experience he has at Bolton so far.
“While he wouldn’t walk into Parkinson’s side, it would still be a smart signing, knowing that Bolton wouldn’t be able to hold the Black Cats for ransom over an inflated transfer fee and his potential to grow in the future.
“At just 21-years-old, Brockbank has impressed in his six league appearances, despite the on and off-pitch toils currently at the University of Bolton Stadium, so interest in him was probably expected this month.
“Brockbank’s season has not been helped by injuries as he started the Wanderers’ first five league games before missing out until making his return last week, however, he still has something to offer this season and would add good depth to the fulll-back slot which Parkinson will need heading into a promotion push.”
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Phil Spencer
“This is exactly the sort of signing that we’d expect from Sunderland.
“Briefed with signing up-and-coming talent with a sell-on potential, Harry Brockbank certainly fits the bill for Phil Parkinson’s side.
“The defence is an area that the Black Cats would like to bolster – particularly at right back as they look to free up Luke O’Nien to play higher up the pitch.
“Parkinson rates Brockbank highly after handing him the captaincy during his time with Bolton, and perhaps that relationship could be key in getting this deal done.
“Bolton look to be doomed this term and so if Sunderland can strike a deal then it’s one that could go their way.”
Jacob Potter
"I think this would be a smart bit of business for Phil Parkinson’s side.
"They could certainly benefit from having additional depth in defence, and Brockbank would be one to watch for the future.
"He’s been impressive when he’s featured for Bolton Wanderers this term, and I think Sunderland will fancy their chances of prising him away from the struggling Trotters.
"Sunderland are a club that are somewhat of a ‘sleeping giant’ in League One this season, and I’m not surprised to see them improving as we progress into the second-half of this year’s campaign.
"Brockbank would be a solid option to have in the Sunderland team, but I’m not sure he’d be a regular starter ahead of the likes of Jordan Willis and Joel Lynch at this moment in time with the Black Cats."