Who is Glenn Loovens? The former Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday defender wanted by Sunderland

The 34-year-old centre back looks to be Jack Ross' next addition as the Scot gears up for the new League One season.

He is expected to undergo a medical at the club in the coming days before penning a deal with the Black Cats, having left Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season.

READ: Full details of Glenn Loovens' move to the Stadium of Light

But what do we know about the Dutch defender who looks set to be Sunderland's latest recruit?

Here's everything you need to know about Loovens:

Where has he played so far?

The experienced centre back has certainly enjoyed a varied career, having plied in his trade in the Netherlands, Spain, Scotland and England.

Loovens began his career at leading Dutch side Feyenoord, enjoying several loan spells away from the club as he sought regular football.

His last loan spell saw him join Cardiff City and impressed as his authoritative performances at the back defied his young years.

A permanent move to the Bluebirds was completed in 2006 and Loovens went on to make over 100 appearances at the club, becoming a key component of the side that regularly chased promotion from the Championship.

MORE: Jack Ross on Sunderland's promising youngsters - and potential loan deals

Such form inevitably attracted interest, and the centre back eventually joined Celtic in a £2m deal in 2008 - having also been chased by Old Firm rivals Rangers.

During his four-year spell at Parkhead, Loovens became a pivotal part of the side and was also handed two senior caps for the Netherlands.

But after falling out of favour, the defender was allowed to leave for Zaragoza before then joining Sheffield Wednesday in 2013.

And at Hillsborough, the Dutchman became a cult hero after being handed the captain's armband - with his no-nonsense defending pleasing fans.

He was released by the Owls in the summer having made 23 appearances last season.

What type of player is he?

Sunderland's new regime have spoken time and time again about bringing in the right characters this summer - and Loovens certainly fits that bill.

A leader on and off the field, his experience could be vital for some of Sunderland's promising youngsters.

While he has never played in League One, the centre back has vast experience of a higher level which should stand him in good stead.

LIVE: Follow all the transfer latest from the Stadium of Light in our blog

He may not be as quick as he once was, but Loovens' nous and defensive know-how makes him an extremely effective centre back.

Strong, uncompromising and tidy in possession, the 34-year-old has all the assets necessary for a modern day centre back.

His strength in the air is a big asset too, and he's known to pop-up with the odd goal from set pieces.

What will he bring to Jack Ross' squad?

Centre back is a position Sunderland need to strengthen, with current options visibly lacking.

And those who are available are still fairly inexperienced - something Loovens' arrival will help to alleviate.

He will bring vast knowledge and experience to what is still a fairly young squad - and the impact of that cannot be undervalued.

LIVE: Follow all the transfer latest from the Stadium of Light in our blog

Loovens also offers reliability, with consistent performances a hallmark of his career so far.

The added physicality and strength cannot be undervalued either, especially in the third tier.

What do his teammates say?

Former Sheffield Wednesday teammate Joey Pelupessy gave a revealing insight into Loovens' impact on the Owls in an interview with the Sheffield Star earlier this year.

He said: “I think he is really important.

“Everything he says, the team picks it up.

"He is doing everything for the team and he is really important.

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“In the dressing room, he is a little bit louder. But he is quiet and that is his style, I think.

“If he says something, then it is 100 per cent true. He is quiet, but the things he says are direct and everybody knows he is right. He is very important.”

Such words should offer encouragement to Sunderland fans as to the impact that Loovens could have on the side.