Sunderland AFC Opinion: Why Sunderland should make a move for Graeme Shinnie

The Crawley Observer (h/t Glasgow Evening Times) has reported that Sunderland have entered the race for Aberdeen star Graeme Shinnie. The 27-year-old Scottish League star has been linked with a move away, thanks in part to the fact that his current deal with the club expires at the end of the season.

No extension has been agreed upon between the defender and Aberdeen, with many expecting Shinnie to move on to bigger things. He’s also been linked with a move to Wigan Athletic (Scottish Sun) but it’s Sunderland who need to make a move for the 27-year-old.

Not only is the Scottish international versatile enough to play as a left midfielder or a defensive midfielder but his defensive onus will be useful for the Black Cats. While they do have Reece James, Bryan Oviedo and Denver Hume as potential left-backs, it’s their midfield that looks shoddy.

Lee Cattermole and Grant Leadbitter are past the age of 30, while Bali Mumba, Max Power and Luke O’Nien need time to adapt to the League One. However, if a move is made for Shinnie, the 27-year-old is good enough to slot into manager Jack Ross’ first-team.

If anything, adding Shinnie would mean the Black Cats have a potential replacement for Cattermole and Leadbitter. Having made his debut at Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, the 27-year-old has since played in over 350 games.

This includes nearly 180 appearances for Aberdeen, with a large portion of that wearing the armband. The Aberdeen star can help out as a left midfielder if needed, meaning his presence would provide Aiden McGeady, Lewis Morgan and even Duncan Watmore with time to rest.

Given the fact that Wigan Athletic are in the race, things could get complicated. At the moment, Shinnie will honour his contract with Aberdeen and remain at the club till the end of the season.

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What makes things worse for Sunderland is the fact that the Scottish Sun has reported that Wigan Athletic have already agreed to a pre-contract with the star.

That does change things for Sunderland but until no official announcement is made, the Black Cats need to do everything to try and land the versatile Scottish international.