Sunderland should look to beat Norwich City to bargain QPR deal: View | OneFootball

Sunderland could be serious contenders for promotion next season if they get the summer transfer window right.

There is no denying that the Black Cats endured a difficult season, but there is real potential in that current squad of theirs. They were play-off contenders for a while, but suffered a drop-off due to several managerial changes and finished in a disappointing 16th place.

Sunderland are currently on the lookout for a new manager to take them forward and push for promotion next season. It has been a lengthy process, but it is absolutely vital that the club appoint the right person.

Whoever the next manager is, they will need to be smart in their first transfer window in order to give Sunderland the best chance of success next season. Key players, such as Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke are receiving plenty of interest so it would be superb if they could keep hold of them.

However, it is a very young side, so experience would do them the world of good next season, and there is one man in the Championship that Sunderland should be keeping an eye on.

Chris Willock has scored and assisted many goals in the Championship over the last few seasons for QPR, but his time at the club looks to be coming to an end this summer, so Sunderland should push for a bargain deal.

Willock on the move

The 26-year-old has been a key asset to QPR for the last four seasons, scoring 20 goals and assisting 22 in 144 games. His versatility, skill, and creativity have been extremely useful for the club, but it now appears that he is set for a new challenge, as his contract at Loftus Road expires later this month.

Norwich City are said to have been eyeing up a move for the winger, according to Alan Nixon, as they aim to push for promotion to the Premier League next season under new manager, Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have also been linked with Willock, and they are said to be keen on securing a deal. Losing the 26-year-old would be a huge blow to QPR who have valued his performances over the last few seasons, but he would be a superb addition for many Championship clubs, especially Sunderland.

Sunderland would be the perfect destination for Willock

A move to the Stadium of Light for Willock would be fantastic for both the club and the player. As mentioned, Sunderland's current squad is incredibly promising but lacks real Championship experience for a side that wants to be challenging for the play-offs next season.

Willock plays in a whole variety of positions, whether it be on the wing, as an attacking midfielder, or even a striker, so he could be a solid option for the new manager to choose from when selecting the lineup next season.

The 26-year-old is reaching the prime years of his career, and a move to Sunderland could be huge for him. Although signing for Norwich would potentially give him a better chance of promotion next season, he would be far more likely to get game time at Sunderland and become a star at the Stadium of Light.

If the Black Cats do lose Clarke, for example, Willock seems a solid solution with his creativity and eye for goal. Similarly, if Bellingham was to depart, the QPR man has plenty of experience in that number ten role, and often plays his best football there.

Willock may not be the young, high-potential player that Sunderland have been targeting in recent windows but there is a profit to be made if the Wearsiders can bring him in on a free transfer and help him get back to his best.

They shouldn't be waiting around to let Norwich win the race.