Sunderland could return to the bidding table for three former transfer targets before Deadline Day.
The Black Cats have struggled to bring in players in the January transfer window, having brought just one player through the door so far, that being Enzo Le Fee on loan from Roma.
Sunderland will be hoping to bring in extra recruits, particularly in the final third before the January transfer window slams shut.
Having been knocked back on several occasions with failed bids and players opting for moves elsewhere, notably Tom Cannon and Ben Brereton Diaz, who both joined fellow promotion chasers Sheffield United, Sunderland are now reportedly exploring a deal for Frenchman Willem Geubbels.
If, yet again, Sunderland struggle to make further steps in acquiring an attacker, they could very well reignite their interest in an attacker they were looking at in the summer, with three names standing out.
Sunderland could return to bidding table for Alexandre Mendy
One of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer transfer window saw the Black Cats going back-and-forth to sign Alexandre Mendy from Ligue 2 side Caen, with the player being clearly set on a move to Wearside.
Once again, Mendy has shone this season in France’s second division, scoring eight in 18 games. With that goalscoring pedigree, and the previously confirmed desire to move to Wearside, it could be worth Kristjaan Speakman looking to return to bid for Mendy.
Out-of-favour Manuel Benson could be lined up for Wearside move
Another player that Sunderland had interest in last summer was Burnley forward Manuel Benson, a winger with real pedigree in the Championship, having notched 11 goals in 32 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign.
Unfortunately, the Belgian doesn’t look to be involved in Scott Parker’s immediate plans, and has only been handed a total of 10 minutes of action this season.
There is no doubt that the 27-year-old will want a way out, and he could offer spectacular cover for the injured Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle.
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The Black Cats could explore Ayman Kari deal as Championship clubs target the Frenchman
Sunderland, as things stand, don’t have too many issues in regards to depth in-the centre-of-the-park, with Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris currently having a wealth of options to choose from.
Nonetheless, they were not fully satisfied with their options on Deadline Day in the summer, where they showed interest in PSG midfielder Ayman Kari.
Kari in fact spent a year-and-a-half on loan at FC Lorient from January 2023 onwards, where he played under current Black Cats boss Le Bris and alongside Enzo Le Fee.
It looks as though the midfielder is available, with Burnley being one of the most recent clubs to explore a deal for the Frenchman, something that Le Bris could be interested in returning to due to him being a former player of his.