Sunderland are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Dundee United defender Jamie Robson, according to The Daily Record.
The lowdown
Robson has been with Dundee United since 2011, and has made 170 appearances for the club's senior team, which includes their season opener against Aberdeen last weekend.
The defender has one year remaining on his contract with the Scottish side, although it remains to be seen as to whether he'll see out that deal with Dundee United, amid interest from other clubs.
League One side Lincoln City had previously been keen on striking a deal to sign Robson this summer, with the Imps having a six-figure bid rejected for Robson's services.
The latest
Sunderland are rumoured to have joined Lincoln City in the race to sign Robson this summer, as Lee Johnson looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new League One campaign.
The Black Cats are yet to make a formal offer for Robson's services, but they're keeping a close eye on the defender, with under a month to go in the summer transfer window.
The Daily Record reports that Lincoln City are attempting to raise additional funds to sign Robson, but they're likely to be hassled by Sunderland's interest in signing the 23-year-old.
The verdict
This is a smart move by Sunderland this summer - defensive reinforcements are certainly needed in the near future as their season opener against Wigan Athletic edges closer.
With Callum McFadzean departing the club at the end of the 2020/21 season, additional strength in depth is needed at left-back, and Robson would provide Johnson's side with just that.
Robson has been a useful option for Dundee United, and has seemingly adjusted well to the demands of senior football with the Scottish side.
Dundee United head coach Thomas Courts is clearly keen to keep hold of Robson for the foreseeable future, with the 39-year-old labelling his performances as 'outstanding', whilst also admitting that there was interest from other clubs in the defender's services.
“There was some talk about Robson at the tail end of last week and there wasn’t a lot of detail because we were preparing for this game.
“He’s attracting interest and don’t know where we’re up to from club perspective but he was outstanding and he showed up well.
“It’s frustrating because when the window is open things don’t happen as quickly as you’d like. I’ve got total respect for the quality we have and I leave here feeling that. But within our dressing room there’s interest from other clubs. I still feel optimistic."