Sunderland in talks to sign Coventry City player in free transfer deal | OneFootball

Sunderland are in talks to sign Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore as cover for Anthony Patterson.

That's according to a report from journalist Alan Nixon, who has provided an update on the Black Cats' search for new signings.

Right now, the main priority for the Wearside outfit will be appointing a new permanent head coach - something they have been without since the sacking of Michael Beale back in February.

They have already seen a number of links with other potential candidates to take charge at the Stadium of Light fall through, leading to mounting pressure on the club to make an appointment.

But despite that, it seems as though the Black Cats are now also moving on with their summer transfer plans when it comes to player recruitment as well.

Sunderland working on deal for Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore

As per this latest update, Sunderland are now in discussions about the potential signing of Moore, with the summer transfer window now open.

It is thought that if the 34-year-old was to make the move to The Stadium of Light, it would be in order to provide cover for Patterson, who has made the number one spot his own in recent years.

Moore is set to be a free agent this summer, with Coventry confirming at the end of the 2023/24 season that he has been released following the expiration of his contract.

The goalkeeper joined the Sky Blues in the summer of 2021, and was a regular during his debut campaign with the club, but found game time much harder to come by in the past two season.

If a deal is confirmed, then Moore could become Sunderland's first senior signing of this summer's transfer window, with the club's focus on their manager search meaning they have yet to delve into the market.

The Black Cats finished the 2023/24 campaign 16th in the final Championship standings, six points clear of the relegation zone.

For their part, Coventry ended the season ninth in the second-tier table, nine points adrift of the play-off places.

Simon Moore could be a sensible signing for Sunderland

It does feel as though the signing of Moore could be a good one for Sunderland to make if they do get it done.

The 34-year-old has plenty of experience in the Championship and League One, where he has generally been a solid option between the posts.

He could therefore, be a reliable back-up for Patterson, and with that experience Moore possesses, he could be someone for the Black Cats' younger first choice option to learn from.

Indeed, the extra goalkeeping depth that Moore would offer, could also allow for Sunderland to explore loan deals for the likes of Alex Bass or Nathan Bishop, who could benefit from the extra game time such a move would bring.

Given he is likely to only be playing a minimal part on the pitch, the fact he is available on a free makes him a sensible target, leaving funds to be spent on potentially more important signings.

The fact that he will likely play a limited role, and therefore not impact the plans of any new manager, may mean this is also a reasonably safe signing to make before any potential appointment.

With all that in mind, it does look as though the signing of Moore may be a sensible deal for Sunderland to do, if they are able to get it over the line.