Exclusive: Kevin Phillips suggests Sunderland moving to sign £10K-a-wk Rangers star
Kevin Phillips suggests Sunderland should consider a move for Jordan Rossiter and expects the club to shop exclusively for free agents this summer.
The former Stadium of Light striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, insisted clubs will have to “wheel and deal” in the upcoming transfer window as League One feels the financial bite of the coronavirus.
Rangers released an official statement last week that announced Rossiter, 23, would depart Ibrox upon the expiration of his contract on 31 May.
Football Insider understands the £10,000-a-week ace is keen on a return to England on a permanent basis having spent the season on loan at Fleetwood Town.
The midfielder made 19 appearances for Joey Barton’s side but after a promising start, he suffered a knee injury that would rule him out for the rest of the campaign.
When asked by Football Insider if Phil Parkinson should be considering an approach for the free agent, Phillips said: “That is the sort of business that a lot of clubs are going to have to result to.
“They will be looking at players that have been released at other clubs but have got the experience in League One and get them in on a contract that suits both parties. It is the sign of the times for the foreseeable future.
“Clubs are going to have to wheel and deal. Unfortunately, that is the window they will be shopping in.
“Rossiter had a big reputation before he moved to Rangers.”
The Black Cats will need to recruit this summer despite the difficult economic circumstances.
Jon McLaughlin, Duncan Watmore, Kyle Lafferty, Chris Maguire, Tommy Smith, Alim Ozturk, Tom Flannagan and Luke O’Nien are all out of contract this summer.
In other Sunderland news, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider he “feels sorry” for the club after Huddersfield owner’s claim.