Sunderland urged to sign Jamie Vardy as contract verdict emerges at Leicester
Sunderland could be preparing a move to sign Jamie Vardy when he leaves Leicester City in the summer.
The 38-year-old has been an ever-present with the Foxes, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in years gone by at the King Power.
Now, under Ruud van Nistelrooy, the East Midlands outfit have fallen to their second relegation in three seasons, and as a result, the striker has called time on his spell in blue.
This could allow the Black Cats to step in and make a move for Vardy, as Regis Le Bris has been given many reasons to sign the Premier League icon.
Sunderland told to sign Vardy
There has been no shortage of useful striking options in the north east this season, but there is no doubt that other options could be useful in the summer.
Wilson Isidor has been a particular bright spark in the second tier, but after going without a goal since mid-February, new options may be considered.
Someone like Vardy could prove to be an ideal tutor for Eliezer Mayenda, who is only 19 years old and has plenty to earn in red and white.
As a result, bringing in the ex-England international could prove to be an excellent move for all parties ahead of the new campaign.
This has seen former striker Marco Gabbiadini compare the Leicester man to Jermaine Defoe and believes his contract would be much smaller than it is at the King Power right now.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle (25 April), he said: “He’s not going to demand the same contract that he’s on now.
“I think he got well rewarded for his loyalty to the club, so I wouldn’t think he would be anywhere near the level he’s at at this stage. We saw it with Jermain Defoe when he came late in his career to Sunderland.
“He was fantastic. He just had that knack of rolling defenders, and balls went into him in the box – he just had the know-how to manipulate that half a yard of space that you need to score.
“I think Vardy definitely falls into that [category]. He might not be able to run as quickly as some players, but in that 18-yard area, he’s dynamite.”
Vardy could be excellent signing from Leicester City
He may be 38 years old, but there aren’t many better striker options to be available in the transfer window if a striker is wanted.
There is, of course, a playoff run in between now and the summer, but deals do need to be eyed early, especially for someone like Vardy.
The former Fleetwood man has elite experience in both the Premier League and Championship, netting 18 goals in his last second-tier season.
| Stat (Championship 23/24) | Jamie Vardy |
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 2 |
As a result, his signing on a free transfer could prove to be a no-brainer to help give young players like Chris Rigg to learn from at the Stadium of Light.