Sunderland reportedly closing in on Walsall skipper George Dobson

Reports in the north-east claim that the former Premier League side have been in contact with the Saddlers and are hopeful of an agreement being made.

The 21-year-old skippered Walsall throughout last season, and despite suffering relegation to League Two impressed in the heart of midfield.

The former West Ham man signed on a permanent basis at the Banks's from Sparta Rotterdam in January 2018, having spent a spell on-loan from the Hammers previously.

Initially agreeing a deal until 2020, following his impressive performances he was awarded a new deal until the summer of 2021.

Sunderland meanwhile, saw their promotion hopes falter at Wembley last season, losing in the League One play-off final to Charlton.

Black Cats boss Jack Ross then saw Lee Cattermole depart the club, leaving the Scot with a hole to fill in midfield.

Dobson memorably helped guide the Saddlers to safety in the 2017/18 season, scoring a last-gasp winner against Northampton - effectively securing their League One status whilst also condemning The Cobblers to relegation.