Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has discussed the potential summer arrival of Marcus Maddison at the Stadium of Light.

Maddison called time on a six-year spell with Peterborough this summer, having spent time on loan with Championship side Hull City earlier in the year.

During his time in England’s second tier, the midfielder was unable to help the Tigers avoid relegation to League One, netting one goal in seven games, whilst he scored nine goals and supplied six assists for the Posh in the first six months of the season.

Available as a free agent, Maddison is claimed to have received interest from Sunderland, with multiple reports over the last few months linking the Wearsiders with a move for the boyhood Black Cats fan.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips gave his opinion on the former Hull City midfielder potentially joining the Black Cats.

“He would be an asset to Sunderland in League One, definitely,” he said.

“I am surprised to hear that he has no offers, whether that is the truth or not.

They have made a couple of great signings so far but Sunderland need a few more through the door.

“It is such a huge season. This season, for me, is more critical than it has ever been. They need to get out of this league so if they can get a player of Maddison’s quality into the squad it will certainly help them.”

The lively attack-minded midfielder featured for non-league side Peterborough Sports at the weekend in a friendly appearance as he looks to maintain his pre-season fitness.

Judging by his scoring record at Peterborough, where he netted 62 of his 76 goals in senior football, Maddison would seem like a superb signing for Sunderland and one that could benefit both him and the Black Cats.

His move to Hull City may not have turned out well but the midfielder certainly seems to have enough talent to prove his worth once again if he moves to the Stadium of Light.

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