The Northern Echo reports that Sunderland are eyeing up a late swoop for Rangers winger Jordan Jones ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.
The EFL League One club have been heavily linked with bringing Gers midfielder Greg Docherty in on loan during this window.
At one point, it seemed a deal was on the verge of completion [Scottish Sun] before talks reportedly stalled [Glasgow Times].
Now, though, it seems the Black Cats, who have already signed former Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty in this window, have their eye on Jones.
The Northern Echo report suggests that any Sunderland swoop may be dependant on them offloading outcast and fellow winger Aidan McGeady.
Jones has also reportedly attracted attention from several Championship clubs including Stoke City and Middlesbrough [Daily Mail].
Verdict
The Daily Record reported earlier in the week that both Jones and Brandon Barker were surplus to requirements at Ibrox, a claim Assistant Manager, Gary McAllister, appeared to refute on Tuesday morning [Rangers FC Twitter].
While he hasn’t enjoyed the best start to his Gers career, failing to score and registering two assists in 11 appearances over the first half of the season, it would seem a strange call to let Jones go at this stage.
The club’s recruitment department clearly had great faith him in this time last season, when they secured him on a four-year deal via a pre-contract. Therefore, to give up on him after just six months, three of which he missed due to injury, would surely be hasty.
While we haven’t seen evidence of it since the early stages of the season, Jones possesses qualities that the Gers have lacked on occasion this season.
His end product may not be the most reliable, but he’s lightning-quick and most importantly, has the ability to beat a man in wide areas – something that the likes of Barker and Sheyi Ojo have struggled to do.
There’s little doubt those traits are why Sunderland have been linked with him, as they seek to move up the League One table.
Rangers should resist any late bids, though, in favour of persevering with the Northern Ireland international.
