A player wanted by Sunderland over the summer is now being targeted by Premier League teams.
Sunderland eventually enjoyed a very fruitful summer. Though it wasn’t plain sailing for the Black Cats.
The delay in appointing Regis Le Bris inevitably pushed back transfer matters. But in the end, Kristjaan Speakman got nine new players through the doors at the Stadium of Light.
Now after an impressive start to the season, attentions may quickly turn towards January, with both incomings and outgoings set to be talked about.
There’s already interest in several Sunderland players with Manchester United eyeing Anthony Patterson and Chris Rigg.
Then there’s the likes of Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba who are on the peripheries right now, and could be moved on as deadwood in January.
But once again, expect Sunderland to try and improve their squad, and look for any bright young talents they could possible bring in.
Sunderland target Sam Tickle eyed by Arsenal and Manchester United
One player linked with Sunderland earlier this year was Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle.
It was claimed that Sunderland wanted to sign Tickle as a possible heir to Patterson, who had Premier League interest from the likes of Wolves at the time.
Tickle remained at Wigan though where he’s enjoyed a very strong start to the season, currently leading the third tier for clean sheets with seven in 10 league games already this season.
Recent reports claim that Arsenal and Manchester United are now keen on Tickle, with the Gunners having even tried and failed to sign the 22-year-old.
Sunderland must ready Sam Tickle swoop ahead of January
Tickle looks as though he could cause a bit of a transfer domino in January, especially should United make their move.
United want Patterson, and if the Red Devils move for Patterson then Sunderland could move for Tickle.
But if another team moves for Patterson, Sunderland and United may both be battling for Tickle, which could prove very difficult for the Black Cats.
Then there’s of course Arsenal who have a very strong interest and could simply blow Sunderland out of the water.
Sunderland would need to really sell their mantra as a club for youngsters with Tickle no doubt primed to be a bench-warmer should he move to the Premier League.
Coming from Wigan and out of contract in 2026, it may not be the most expensive deal either, and so for Sunderland it’s one that makes a lot of sense, regardless of whether or not Patterson leaves in January.