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... 

Coventry City have been linked with a move for soon-to-be free agent Tom Flanagan, who is out of contract at Sunderland.

According to Football Insider, the 28-year-old is yet to agree fresh terms in the North East, which has potentially opened the door for Coventry to swoop ahead of their Championship return.

So, would the defender be a smart addition?

Our writers discuss…

Ned Holmes

I like this move from a Coventry perspective, with the Sky Blues looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Championship.

Mark Robins side have been fantastic this season and well-deserving of winning the third tier of English football but they can't rest on their laurels and need to make sure they're ready for the step up.

For me, Flanagan has been undervalued by the Black Cats and should've been someone they were using week in, week out.

The 28-year-old put a string of impressive performances together in the early part of this year, which made me feel that Sunderland had missed a trick by not using him more.

The Northern Irishman is solid defensively, a good athlete, and comfortable on the ball, which should make him a good addition to the Coventry squad.

George Dagless

I think so.

What this might mean for them trying to keep Michael Rose remains to be seen but on the face of it, it would be a good signing for the Sky Blues to carry out.

Flanagan is a good defender and though Sunderland have struggled at times, he would be missed if he left the club.

The Black Cats have had a tough time of it and some of their players are coming to the end of their contracts - they want to keep Flanagan but I'd never be surprised if he decided to move this summer with the potential offer of Championship football awaiting.

Coventry need to be clever in the summer market, too, as they prepare for their return and I think we'd see this deal being an example of that.

Quiz: The tricky 8-question Coventry City trivia quiz: Can you get 8/8?

 

George Harbey  

I think this would be an excellent signing for Coventry, especially with Flanagan arriving on a free transfer if he chooses to sign for the Sky Blues.

I think lower-half Championship is certainly his level after becoming a key player for Sunderland over the past couple of seasons - he really improved under Jack Ross and he is a top defender for League One level.

Flanagan is at a decent age, he is commanding in the air and he is really comfortable with the ball at his feet, so there is a lot to like about him and he would suit Mark Robins' side's style of play to a tee.

If Michael Rose was to leave to join either Leeds United or Bristol City, then Flanagan would certainly be a ready-made replacement.