Phil Parkinson is looking to reunite with Jay Spearing at Sunderland, according to a report.
The 31-year-old midfielder was captain of Parkinson's Bolton side that defied the odds while suffering financially to earn promotion from League One. in 2017.
The ex-Liverpool midfielder, who made 55 appearances for the Reds after coming through their academy, is available on a free transfer this summer after leaving Blackpool at the end of his contract. He spent two years at Bloomfield Road, also captaining the Seasiders.
According to the report from the reliable Alan Nixon in the Sun on Sunday, Sunderland are interested in signing him, with recently-relegated Tranmere and his former side Bolton also keen.
Spearing could be swayed by the chance to reunite with Parkinson on Wearside, however, while the Black Cats boss will no doubt welcome a player of Spearing's experience and knowledge of his style as he looks to overhaul his playing squad this summer to mount a promotion push.
In an interview with BBC Newcastle this week Parkinson revealed he was targeting seven to eight signings this summer and spoke of looking for players to create an identity at Sunderland of high energy, hard work and commitment.
Throughout his time at the Stadium of Light Parkinson has often spoke about how a crunching, committed tackle can get the crowd going at the Stadium of Light as much as a period of dominance in possession, and Spearing is certainly not shy of a putting himself around in the midfield.
Following releases in the squad this summer, central midfield is probably Sunderland's best-stocked position, with Max Power, George Dobson, Josh Scowen and Grant Leadbitter all still on the books. But available on a free, Spearing would add competition and character to Sunderland's dressing room.
