Sunderland are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Robbie Brady on a free transfer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Brady's contract at AFC Bournemouth expires at the end of the month, meaning that he can leave as a free agent.

He only managed a mere seven appearances in total for the Cherries last season so looks unlikely to stay put, which has encouraged some clubs to sniff around for his signature.

The Latest: Interest

Writing in his latest piece for TEAMtalk, insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Stadium of Light outfit now hold an 'interest' in signing Brady, along with both Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town.

Manager Scott Parker would like him to stay for their upcoming Premier League campaign, but the club have yet to trigger the 12-month option in his deal.

The Verdict: Sign

Dubbed a player with 'huge quality' by Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake upon signing him last summer, Brady has four seasons' worth of experience in the Championship, and so the 30-year-old would add a mentality edge that could help the Wearside club stay up next term.

The Republic of Ireland international is also someone that Alex Neil knows well having coached him at Norwich City, and so the Scotsman will know how to get the best out of him.

He has been full of praise for Brady in the past, calling him 'dynamic' with 'good energy' and a 'real danger' at set-pieces (talkSPORT), and so on a free transfer, this seems like it would be a smart piece of business from the Black Cats.

In other news, find out what big SAFC exit update has now emerged here!