16 games, 9 goals, 4 assists: Stevie Mallan is the creative midfielder Sunderland should have signed

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This summer saw Sunderland linked with the tranfer of Stevie Mallan. The Barnsley player was set to leave Oakwell after struggling in Yorkshire since his move from St Mirren the previous year.

New Sunderland boss Jack Ross had worked with Mallan in Paisley and was believed to be keen on his signature at the Stadium of Light.

In the end, Mallan headed back to Scotland. Ironically, he became Hibernian’s replacement for Dylan McGeouch, who had in fact joined Sunderland.

Hibs paid a fee in the region of just £150,000 for the player, according to The Scotsman, with the 22-year-old signing a four-year deal at Easter Road.

Whilst Sunderland fans have failed to be overly convinced by the performances of McGeouch since his arrival, Mallan has been sensational for his new club.

Since arriving in Edinburgh the playmaker has immersed himself into the first-team and been in incredible form. In 16 games for the club, he has managed to score nine goals and set up another four.

Such form is certainly impressive, considering McGeouch has registered neither a goal nor assist during his ten games for the Black Cats.

Perhaps Mallan was the man Sunderland needed.