Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Sunderland are after a new central defender.

The Lowdown: Alongside Broadhead?

It is no secret that the Wearside club are interested in re-signing Nathan Broadhead after his loan spell at the Stadium of Light from Everton last season, but they have reportedly been joined by Championship rivals Wigan Athletic in the race for his signature.

Were they to miss out on the striker, Alex Neil's side could look to target other players or positions as the transfer window enters its final weeks.

The Latest: Centre-back targeted

Taking to Twitter in response to being asked of transfer developments at Sunderland, Nixon has revealed that the Black Cats are after a new centre-back, but a deal has not advanced as of yet.

The reporter tweeted: "There’s a centre half … but it’s not moved forward … and should have done by now."

The Verdict: Strange

It certainly seems strange that Sunderland would be looking at another centre-half, after already signing Daniel Ballard and Aji Alese from Arsenal and West Ham United respectively in that position.

They currently have four senior centre-backs in the squad, along with other players who can fill in there, so their priority should be to bring Broadhead back or else sign another striker, with Ross Stewart and new loan signing Ellis Simms from Everton their only options up top.

Nonetheless, if Neil feels that he needs to add another centre-back to the group, then the Sunderland board should continue to back him as he looks to assemble a squad which is capable of competing in the Championship.