Sunderland are enjoying life towards the summit of League One at the moment.
Promotion is well and truly in their destiny, and if they win both of their games in hand, they will go top and be within touching distance of a place in the Championship.
What’s the word?
Earning promotion would come with a necessity to spend money in the transfer market and improve the playing squad. However, their first arrival could well be a free transfer as, according to Football Insider, Sunderland are targeting Gwion Edwards.
The Ipswich winger has had an excellent campaign at Portman Road but is out of contract at the end of the season and no discussions have taken place over his future.
As a result, the Mackems are now monitoring his situation with a view to making a move if and when he becomes a free agent.
Do you want Edwards at Sunderland?
Definitely
No way
The Black Cats are set to face competition from Preston in a bid to lure the 28-year-old away from the Tractor Boys.
Imagine him and Jones
With Rangers loanee Jordan Jones keen on a return to the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis in the summer, Lee Johnson could create a fearsome duo here.
Of course, they still have Aiden McGeady but, at the age of 35, a step to a higher division could be above his station. The Irishman has been captivating this term, registering 12 assists since being brought back into the side by Johnson in December.
He and Jones have been major reasons behind Sunderland’s incredible run in recent months but the addition of Edwards this summer has the potential to add even more pizzazz to a flourishing forward line.
The Ipswich forward has the ability to play on either flank and also through the middle as an attacking midfielder.
He has been creative this term but he’s also beaten the goalkeeper regularly, registering nine goal involvements in 28 League One outings. Edwards’ goal tally for Ipswich is just 13 in 101 but he is improving all the time and is now in the peak of his career.
Speaking about the attacker last year, his team-mate Emyr Huws commented: “He’s showing everyone what he can do so all credit to Gwi. He’s been great. He’s been clinical in front of goal and is looking sharp.”
With 1.3 shots per match to his name this season, Edwards is certainly getting in the right areas to score, but one of the most promising aspects of his game is the ability to beat a man, something which also sets both him and Jones apart from other wide players in League One.
The latter has been breathtaking himself on occasion this term, scoring two goals and providing four assists in six starts.
Speaking a few years ago, former Ipswich manager Paul Hurst waxed lyrical about Edwards, providing words which ring true with Jones as well: “The first time he picks up the ball he goes past his man. The fans had a little gasp,” he said.
Some supporters have been left dazzled by his abilities down the years, even comparing him to a certain Lionel Messi.
That is a far-fetched comparison but he has been exhilarating at times this season. Just imagine him and Jones on the wings; it’s a mouth-watering prospect for Sunderland.
AND in other news, SAFC flop sees his value fall by 90% after leaving, he’s spent 1004 days out injured…