One Europa Conference League side could once again cement their interest in one of Sunderland’s top stars.
The January transfer window is well and truly underway for the Black Cats with the imminent signing of Enzo Le Fee, one that has been touted as a spectacular piece of business by Kristjaan Speakman to acquire a player that has previously thrived under Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris.
Aside from the excitement over Le Fee’s arrival, Sunderland do still have to look over their shoulder considerably this window as they look to fend off interest from elsewhere for their top ranks.
Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg are certainly set to receive concrete interest after their brilliant efforts so far in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, whilst shot-stopper Anthony Patterson has also drummed up clubs looking to attain his services.
However, Sunderland could be set for yet another battle this summer as French side RC Lens could return with their interest in one of the Black Cats’ top stars following a sale of one of their own players.
Sunderland star Dan Ballard could be linked to RC Lens move following defender departure
The Black Cats could potentially fight a battle this January to keep hold of defender Dan Ballard.
The likes of Sunderland’s arch-rivals Newcastle United have already reportedly been linked with a move to the centre-back, but they could be joined by Ligue 1 side RC Lens.
The French side were previously interested in Ballard back in the summer, and whilst such a deal didn’t come into fruition, they could very well return to the bidding table following the reports of their centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov reportedly coming close to a move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, per Fabrizio Romano.
Promotion race will be too difficult to leave in January for Dan Ballard
Aside from the debate over whether RC Lens will be able to send a sufficient bid that will genuinely get considered, it should be highly unlikely that Ballard will want to pave his own path away from Wearside.
The current quality of the squad has seen Le Bris’ side put on a terrific first half of the season to a point where a promotion push is very much on the cards, and has been made that much more likely with the imminent signing of Le Fee.
With the current coach, squad and feel-good factor in-and-around the club, there is very little that could deter Ballard away from the club if Lens do in fact follow up their previous interest from the summer.