Sunderland have now enquired about re-signing Academy of Light graduate Alex Gorrin. The Spaniard played youth football in Tenerife before signing for the Black Cats in 2009.
Gorrin would not make a senior appearance for the Wearsiders and left to join Wellington Phoenix in 2014. The central midfielder rebuilt his career in Australia before spells in Portugal, Romania and Scotland.
He signed for Oxford United in 2019 and has made just short of 80 appearances for Karl Robinson's side. The 28-year-old could leave on a free transfer later this month, despite Oxford attempting to tie him down to a new deal.
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Sunderland have one eye on the League One play-off final this weekend but preparations have already started ahead of next season. The Black Cats divisional status for the 2022/23 season is yet to be finalised and it's unclear whether Gorrin would remain on their 'wishlist' if they win promotion back to the Championship.
Freelance journalist Pete O'Rourke said: "Sunderland have made an enquiry for Oxford United midfielder Alex Gorrin. Gorrin is out of contract next month and could leave on a free transfer, although Oxford are trying to tie him down to a new contract."
Gorrin has struggled for game time this season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in an FA Cup tie at Bristol Rovers in November. Nonetheless, prior to his serious knee injury, Rodriguez-Gorrin – who made 43 appearances for Sunderland ’s U23s side between 2010 and 2014 – was a regular in the Oxford midfield, which twice went close to promotion to the Championship.