Sunderland are interested in making a move for former Rangers defender Jon Flanagan, according to Football Insider.

Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson faces a tough task this summer as he looks to build a squad capable of gaining promotion to the Championship.

Finishing eighth in the League One standings last term, Parkinson is under increasing pressure to deliver and a number of deals have already been completed this summer with Bailey Wright and Aiden O'Brien, whilst also agreeing new terms with Tom Flanagan.

With Parkinson keen to further improve his squad, interest in ex-Rangers defender Flanagan has now emerged.

The defender, who was released by Steven Gerrard's side earlier this summer, is available on a free transfer and Football Insider have claimed that Sunderland are interested.

That interest is also said to be matched by Fleetwood Town with boss Joey Barton keen to bolster his squad options ahead of next term in League One.

Flanagan, who is valued at £855,000 by Transfermarkt, last played in English football with Bolton Wanderers, whom he left to join Rangers in 2018.

Signing Flanagan on a free transfer this summer would be a good move for Sunderland and would add experience and quality to their defence. Indeed this is a player who not only made 16 appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Rangers, but who also played 46 times in the Premier League for Liverpool whilst also winning the League Cup whilst at Anfield (Transfermarkt).

Fleetwood's interest will provide stiff competition for Phil Parkinson but you have to feel that if a promotion rival are keen, Sunderland should go all out to make a move.

Do you think Flanagan would be a good signing for Sunderland? Let us know in the comments section below...