Sunderland are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Middlesbrough's Hayden Coulson on loan, according to Teesside Live.

What's the story?

Coulson has found regular game-time with Boro's first-team hard to come by at times in recent seasons, and he made just 19 appearances in all competitions last term as Neil Warnock's side finished 10th in the Championship.

Teesside Live claimed that he has fallen down the pecking order in Warnock's plans ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, which has seen other teams register their interest in landing his signature.

Ipswich Town are also rumoured to be interested in a deal to sign Coulson on a temporary basis, so Sunderland won't have it all their way when it comes to trying to strike an agreement with Middlesbrough for the 23-year-old this summer.

It could be a risk-free move for the Black Cats

Coulson doesn't have a considerable amount of first team football under his belt just yet, but that's not to say that he wouldn't be a shrewd addition to Lee Johnson's squad ahead of the new League One campaign.

The 23-year-old would be a somewhat risk-free addition to the Sunderland team as well, only being on wages of £3,200 per week according to Salary Sport, so it's a deal which could be the ideal move for all parties involved.

Additional strength in depth at left-back is certainly needed at the Stadium of Light, with Denver Hume the only natural option in that role, and Coulson would provide them with a strong option at the back.

He can also operate in a left midfield role and, should he make the short move to Wearside, he may end up being the ideal alternative to Aiden McGeady in that position. The Republic of Ireland veteran is now 35 and started 30 league matches last season, so it may be asking a lot to expect a player of his age to feature so regularly again in 2021/22.

For Coulson to have made 49 senior appearances for Middlesbrough's first team is a credit to a player who has progressed through the club's academy system and into the senior side relatively quickly.

It appears as though his performances haven't gone unnoticed, and Sunderland will be hoping that he can continue to impress if he signs along the dotted line at the Stadium of Light this summer. Even if the 23-year-old doesn't displace McGeady on a regular basis, he could be a fine, fresher option to call upon if the experienced Irishman would benefit from having his game-time managed.

In other news, Johnson could be delighted with loan move for Premier League youngster.