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Sunderland are set to sign centre-back Jordan Willis on a free transfer after reaching an agreement to release Donald Love.

The 24-year-old is the latest in a long line of Jack Ross signings with captaincy experience, and another player who should bring down their average age.

Willis previously skippered Coventry City, who have released him this summer.

Grant Leadbitter, Max Power and Glenn Loovens captained their previous clubs.

Willis is Sunderland’s third senior signing of the summer, all on free transfer. It reunites him with former team-mate Lee Burge, the goalkeeper who made the same move earlier this month.

At the age of 24, Willis has 179 league appearances under his belt, all with the Sky Blues. He led the sides which won the Football League Trophy and the League Two play-offs, scoring in the 3-1 final win over Exeter City.

The centre of defence was a real weak point for Sunderland last season with neither Tom Flanagan, Jack Baldwin, Glenn Loovens or Alim Ozturk completely convincing in the position.

Conor McLaughlin, signed from Millwall, can play in a back three, which is the formation Ross fielded in the opening friendly of pre-season, at South Shields.

Willis can also play in the full-back positions, making it easier to get high-earner Love off the wage bill. The defender is expected to join Shrewsbury Town, having failed to fulfil his potential since joining from Manchester United under David Moyes.

Ross wants to continue upgrading his squad, but any additions are likely to be on a one-out-one-in basis. The Scot is also looking to promote more players from the club’s academy, with Elliot Embleton, Ethan Robson, Denver Hume and Benji Kimpioka all in with a good chance of more Sunderland game-time in the coming campaign.