Sunderland transfer rumours: Cats interested in international defender set to be become free agent

Sunderland have been credited with interest in Ukrainian left-back Bogdan Mykhaylichenko who has fallen out of favour at Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.

Mykhaylichenko only joined Zagreb in the summer transfer window but hasn't been named in the club's matchday squad for their last nine league games. Reports have claimed the 26-year-old, who has earned seven caps for Ukraine's national team, is set to have his contract terminated, which would make the defender available for a free transfer.

According to Croatian newspaper Rijeka Danas, a number of clubs are tracking Mykhaylichenko's situation, with Sunderland showing the most interest. The Black Cats already have strong options at left-back, after recently welcoming back defender Aji Alese from a lengthy thigh injury. Dennis Cirkin will be looking to regain his place when he returns from a hamstring issue.

Sunderland will be without Niall Huggins for the rest of the season, though, after the Welsh defender suffered a significant knee injury last month.