•  Sunderland fans are excited about the potential return of Yann M’Vila to the club after reports emerged about contact with his agent.
•  Former England international Carlton Palmer advises against signing M’Vila due to his lack of recent game-time and the risk involved.
•  Despite concerns about his fitness, M’Vila’s experience as a holding midfielder could be valuable for Sunderland’s young midfielders.

After much anticipation, Sunderland supporters may soon get their wish as Yann M’Vila’s return to the Stadium of Light seems inevitable.

The 33-year-old former French international midfielder was a huge fan favorite when playing on loan at Wearside during the 2015–16 season, but they decided against signing him long-term. Over the following seven years, he has played for Rubin Kazan, Saint-Etienne, and Olympiakos.

The player’s fan base is going crazy over his possible return to the North East of England after reports from his home country surfaced this week that Sunderland had a contract with his agent discussing a possible homecoming.

Palmer: Sunderland should avoid M’Vila deal due to lack of recent game-time

Being a free agent since the summer, M’Vila would naturally be joining a team in which he would not have played much if he were to re-sign with the Black Cats.

And because of that, and in spite of the fact that Sunderland needs experience in the squad, former England international Carlton Palmer thinks the Black Cats ought to turn down the Frenchman’s request to return home, whether or not many fans would prefer it.

“Mick Beale alluded to the fact that the team needed some experience to go with the talented youngsters they have after their recent defeat to Ipswich Town, something that Tony Mowbray had been harping on about for several weeks and months at Sunderland,” Palmer said in an exclusive interview with Football League World.

“Yann is 33 now and left Olympiakos in the summer, he’s available on a free.

“Sunderland face competition from Lyon and Marseille, who are also keen on getting his signature.

“I always worry about taking a player in January who has been without a club since the summer.

“Yes, he’s available on a free, yes he ticks the boxes for experience, but how long is it going to take to get up to speed?

“19 games left and Sunderland sit in the last place in the top six, on the same point as Coventry.

“They need someone with experience who can hit the ground running – Mick in my opinion cannot afford to take that gamble on a player that hasn’t played a game since the end of last season, even though he would be a popular choice for the supporters.”

Sunderland need midfield experience in January – M’Vila or not

Considering that M’Vila hasn’t kicked a competitive ball since May of last season, there will be some doubts even though it appears possible that he may return to Sunderland this month.

Despite M’Vila’s intense affection for Sunderland, there is fierce competition from Lyon and Marseille, two prominent French teams, who are also linked.

The experienced holding midfielder was rock solid for Olympiakos last season, and that proves he will still be able to go at Championship level – if he’s snapped up that is.