Football Insider have claimed that defender Tom Flanagan has signed a new deal to remain at Sunderland.
The Black Cats are expected to make wholesale changes to their squad this summer after failing for a second consecutive season to gain promotion from League One.
First team manager Phil Parkinson is faced with a tough summer transfer window, having seen a number of first team regulars leave the club in the last few weeks.
Flanagan, who was one of the players whose contracts expired, was offered a new deal, although reports had claimed that the centre-back had not responded.
Despite that recent claim, it has since been reported by Football Insider that a deal has been struck for the 28-year-old.
A source close to Sunderland has apparently revealed that a contract which will run until 2022 has now been agreed by all parties.
The agreement will come as a relief to Parkinson, who would have been aware that the likes of Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City and Coventry City, all of whom have either been in the Championship this season or will be next term, were keen on making a summer move for the Northern Ireland international.
It is a good move for Sunderland to keep hold of Flanagan and one that will hand Parkinson some security in defence, with the 28-year-old boasting the experience of 64 games for the club already.
Whether or not Wigan, Blues and Coventry were genuinely interested in him is questionable but, if they were, Sunderland can feel pleased that a deal has been struck.
What other signings do you think will be made at Sunderland this summer? Let us know in the comments section below…
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