SUNDERLAND’S search for a new head coach continues, but the club are closing in on their first summer signing in the shape of experienced goalkeeper Simon Moore.

The Black Cats have approached Moore, who is due to become a free agent when his contract at Coventry City expires later this month.

The 34-year-old joined Coventry from Sheffield United, where he helped the Blades win the League One title, and was first-choice goalkeeper during his first season with the Sky Blues.

However, he lost his place in Coventry’s starting line-up to former Sunderland academy product Ben Wilson, and was Mark Robins’ third-choice goalkeeper for most of last season, failing to make a single senior start.

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However, he was regularly praised by Robins for his contribution to the squad dynamic, and has been offered the opportunity to join Sunderland’s goalkeeping group next season.

While Anthony Patterson will start next term as the Black Cats’ number one unless the club receive a huge offer for his services, there is a good chance that at least one of Alex Bass and Nathan Bishop will be moving on this summer in search of more regular first-team football. If Moore is signed, it is possible that both players could leave.

Sunderland boast a talented crop of emerging young goalkeepers, led by Matty Young, who spent last season on loan at Darlington, and the equally youthful Adam Richardson. However, neither is regarded as ready to step up to become a regular number two, hence the desire to bring in the much more experienced Moore.

If he signs, one of Moore’s chief responsibilities will be to work with and help develop Sunderland’s young goalkeepers.

The veteran is not regarded as a potential replacement for Patterson, and if their current number one was to leave this summer, Sunderland’s recruitment team would look to bring in a new first-choice shot-stopper.