As if by magic, Sunderland are back in form and back in the race for promotion to the Championship.
Under Phil Parkinson, the Black Cats have been nothing short of a negative mess. Fans were on the manager’s back and it’s clear to see why after winning just four of 17 matches in charge.
That being said, the north-east outfit are now five games unbeaten and a win over Lincoln, which took them to within a point of the playoffs, was their best performance under the new management since a 5-0 victory against Tranmere.
Luke O’Nien was one of the top performers against the Imps, putting in a consistent shift that saw him win a combined four aerial duels and tackles.
With that in mind, it seems foolish to suggest Sunderland should sign another player capable of playing at right-back.
However, when someone as good as Lewie Coyle is available, you must go all out to snap him up, especially if you’re plying your trade in League One.
Reports of a potential move first emerged over the weekend as The Sun on Sunday (05/01, pg.61) suggested Parkinson’s men were interested in the defender.
Aged 24, Coyle is currently playing on loan at Fleetwood but it is thought Leeds could be willing to sell him before his contract expires at the end of the season.
With O’Nien in the form he’s in, a swoop might seem bizarre on the face of it, but with the quality Coyle possesses, head of recruitment Tony Coton could pull off a masterstroke by helping his club get a deal over the line.
Coton has been slated in the past but this transfer could go a long way to getting supporters back on his side.
The right-back has proven his qualities time and time again in League One, winning the Cod Army’s Player of the Year award in 2017/18.
Not only that, but he’s also been superb in 2019/20. He’s racked up five assists from 22 appearances, a tally that would put him right at the top of Sunderland’s creative charts this term.
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Coyle has also been strong in the tackle, winning 1.8 per game according to WhoScored. Coincidentally, that puts him above O’Nien – someone who would be his nearest competitor for a place in the side if he joins.
Sunderland’s business hasn’t been too convincing recently, namely Will Grigg who has scored just once this term, but the addition of the Leeds defender would be an impressive start to 2020.
Meanwhile, the heir to Aiden McGeady’s throne has emerged at Sunderland…
