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...

Sunderland have been linked with a potential move for Manchester City midfielder Matt Smith, according to London Football News, this despite the fact that the 20-year-old is currently on loan at QPR where he has struggled to break into the team under Mark Warburton, with City said to keen on recalling the midfielder from his loan spell and sending him out on loan again in search of regular football.

The Black Cats will not have things all their own way though with Ipswich Town also considering taking the seven-cap Welsh international on loan.

So would Sunderland be a good fit for Smith and is he needed at the Stadium of Light?

We discuss.........

Jordan Rushworth

“This would be a very useful addition for Sunderland, who have been looking to add some extra quality to their midfield options during the window, as Phil Parkinson looks to help his side battle it out for a top six finish in League One.

“Smith would be able to offer Sunderland greater composure in possession with his technical quality, which could allow Parkinson’s side to retain the ball better and gain control over matches in the middle of the park.

“The midfielder has been struggling for game time out on loan at Queens Park Rangers, so a move to Sunderland could be ideal for him to go and get some more regular game time for his development during the rest of the campaign.

Smith was an impressive performer on loan in the Dutch top flight with FC Twente last season, and that suggests he has enough quality and maturity about him to make an impression in League One for the Black Cats, were they to bring him in before the end of the window.”

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Toby Wilding

"This could be a decent signing for Sunderland.

"When you look at the names they have been linked with recently, it seems clear they are keen to add a central midfielder to their side, and Smith could be a viable option to fill that role.

"Given his past experience with Manchester City and Twente, it certainly seems there is ability there for Sunderland to exploit in the race for promotion, something Smith has already enjoyed past success in during his loan spell in Holland last season.

"Furthermore, with Ipswich also linked with the midfielder, winning the race for his signature would be a statement of intent about the Black Cats' place in this battle for a place in the Championship, something they now look to have entered into following their underwhelming start to the campaign."

Phil Spencer

“This could be a very shrewd move for Sunderland.

“The Black Cats have been linked with Greg Docherty of Rangers, but that move seems to have stalled meaning that they may need to look at other options.

“They won’t find many better than Matt Smith.

“The 20-year-old is undoubtedly a talent but a lack of first team football with QPR has stunted his development this term.

“Sunderland are surely one of the most attractive options in League One and the experience of playing for a club as demanding as them will stand him in excellent stead for the rest of his career.

“That makes it a move that could really benefit all parties and could give the Black Cats a welcome boost for their promotion push.”