Roker Roundup: Report claims that Sunderland are interested in 18-year-old Hibs left back

Sunderland watching Hibs hot prospect

Sunderland have been linked with a number of left-backs in recent weeks, once Denver Hume’s injury problems caused Lee Johnson a transfer window rethink.

Alex Cochrane of Union SG (on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion) and AFC Wimbledon’s Paul Osew are two of the names to be linked, and now Josh Doig of Hibernian has been rumoured to be of interest to Sunderland.

The 18-year-old has been a regular member of the first team since Jack Ross took over the Scottish Premiership side and the Daily Record claim Sunderland and Stoke City are both watching the youngster closely.

Such has been Doig’s form, he has kept Hibs legend Lewis Stevenson out of the team with Ross explaining to the Herald last week that he has done so on merit:

At 18 years old, for Josh to have played so many games and made the impact he has is impressive.

He is growing all the time in stature and becoming more confident.

I speak often enough about Lewis supporting and helping him – and I think that we’ve used Josh sensibly this year, in terms of the times we’ve brought him out of the team.

But at the moment, he is in the team on merit, which is great for him.

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Former striker in demand

The Daily Record also say that Queen of the South are hoping to tie down former Sunderland striker Connor Shields to a new contract.

The report claims Shields is the subject of strong interest following the 23-year-old’s top form this season, being the club’s top scorer with nine goals and scoring six in his last five league games.

Although Allan Johnston’s side want to give Shields a new contract which will see him remain at the club until the end of next season, the Daily Record say several SPL sides, Scottish Championship, and English sides are all interested in ex-Black Cat.

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