Sunderland’s transfer window could quickly burst into life with a number of names being linked with winter moves to the Stadium of Light. But no players are seemingly close to joining just yet.
Sunderland’s January transfer window could be a lot like their summer window, in which a lot of their business was done late on. Kristjaan Speakman signed a handful of players earlier in the summer before Sunderland signed four new names on deadline day alone.
With names being linked to Wearside right now, but no reported bids on the table and no concrete talks underway, it could be a case of Sunderland completing their transfer business late again in this window.
But there’s some exciting names linked nonetheless. Sunderland are keen on Enzo Le Fee at Roma but that move looks unlikely as things stand, whilst the Black Cats are also linked with Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha.
Another name mentioned quite heavily with a move to Sunderland is Chelsea outcast Harvey Vale.
Transfer expert reveals latest on Harvey Vale future at Chelsea
It’s been reported by Fabrizio Romano that Sunderland are interested in signing Vale from Chelsea, who’s out of contract in the summer and free to leave. It’s also been suggested that Chelsea could sell Vale for very little, in a bid to get him off the books in the January window.
Speaking to Sunderland AFC News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Vale and Chelsea are working together to find the best club for him, but that ‘up to four’ other Championship clubs are now keen on Vale too.
Bailey said: “I know Chelsea are working on finding him his next club – they want to make sure next one is right. He had a terrible time at Hull but had a great time at Bristol Rovers.
“They are talking with Vale and weighing up the options, I know Sunderland are one of the clubs – but I am told up to four other Championship clubs are keen.”
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Sunderland target Harvey Vale is more versatile than fans might think
Sunderland AFC News also caught up with Chelsea expert Caleb Sage recently to discuss Vale, and the type of player he is and whatnot.
Interestingly, Sage revealed that Vale has played a lot of games as a left-back for Chelsea’s U21s, diverging from his natural attacking midfield role.
Sage said: “Vale is a very versatile footballer. His best position is somewhere in attack, probably behind the striker, but he is adept at playing at left-back.”
For Sunderland, who already have a lot of quality in midfield but not so much at left-back, Vale could be an ideal option to provide coverage in a couple of positions.
We saw a similar player in Callum Styles arrive last January. But the Hungarian arguably couldn’t settle into the side because he didn’t have an out and out, best position on the pitch.
Sunderland would have to be cautious of Vale enduring the same experience.