Phillips: Sunderland backed to sign ‘another O’Nien’ in January after confirmed news
Kevin Phillips has backed Sunderland to sign another Luke O’Nien in the January transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend said Lee Johnson’s side could benefit from the addition of a versatile player who can player at centre-half.
As quoted by the Chronicle (11 December), Johnson claimed he expects his side to come out of the January window “better than they went into it”.
He also revealed how the club would be targeting Championship players approaching the end of their contract and “gems” in the lower leagues.
The Black Cats’ form has improved since switching to a back three in November.
Phillips suggested the formation change may have prompted the club to look for defensive reinforcements.
“It’s clear [Bailey] Wright, [Tom] Flanagan and [Callum] Doyle are their three strongest centre-halves,” he told Football Insider.
“There is a good balance between them. They have experience and youth there. They allow the wing-backs to push forward because they are decent at covering.
“Behind them there is not a great amount of options though. I think Lee Johnson might look to bring someone in who can play in that position in January.
“Somebody like a Luke O’Nien who can play there as well as other positions. That is perhaps the type of player they will be looking at.”
Sunderland drew 1-1 at Ipswich Town on Saturday.
They sit third in the table and four points off top.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Sunderland are in a ‘precarious’ position as £9million hangs in the balance.