Sunderland Transfers: 10 Players Derek McInnes Could Bring With Him
8. Jon Walters
At 33, the Stoke striker may be a gamble for Derek McInnes, but Walters would bring confidence and experience to a Sunderland side lacking in fire-power following the likely exit of Jermain Defoe.
Hampered by injury last season, Walters made 24 appearances for The Potters scoring four goals and guiding the side to 13th in the Premier League. He remains a force at International Level too, netting for the Republic of Ireland just last week in a nail-biting 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Walters is currently one of the few Stoke players not linked elsewhere, as Mark Hughes tries to hold on to the spine of his side this summer. The manager has always valued Walters' contributions, noting that "He’s a guy you can hang your hat on. He’s had to carve out every bit of his career. He’s a prime example of a player who’s maximised his abilities and his opportunities."
However, rumours linking Stoke to Manchester United's Wayne Rooney haven't fully subsided, and Walters may be surplus to requirements if the ace departs Old Trafford.