Sunderland have left fans frustrated with their lack of activity in the transfer window so far.
Sunderland headed into the transfer window in dire need of some signings. Nazariy Rusyn has proven to be the only one of four strikers to have scored a goal this season, while all three of the Black Cats’ left-backs had found themselves sidelined.
Michael Beale‘s tenure has gotten off to a rotten start and is in danger of getting even worse if he can’t bring in some players to bolster the club’s promotion hopes.
Things are only made more concerning by the transfer activity that teams around them are doing too.
Hull City have done brilliant business in bringing in Fabio Carvalho and are closing in on Ryan Giles, while Watford have welcomed former hit man Emmanuel Dennis to the club.
We are now only a week away from the transfer deadline, and while things do seem to be picking up on Wearside in recent days, the club are going to have to act fast if they want to land some of their targets.
Sunderland AFC News have spoken exclusively to HITC Football’s Graeme Bailey to get the latest on Alex Pritchard’s future, a potential reunion with Yann M’Vila and more.
Pierre Ekwah faces an uncertain future
Pierre Ekwah was subject to late interest in the summer transfer window, but ended up staying at Sunderland.
We asked whether we could see a similar situation panning out next week.
“Sunderland have one of those squads where so many players would be an easy target for a lot of clubs… but because clubs aren’t panic buying, that’s why Sunderland aren’t really panicking themselves.
“Ekwah is an interesting proposition and that’s probably one for the summer, but teams do like him. If someone like a Nottingham Forest loses [Orel] Mangala suddenly – do they then come in for Ekwah? Quite possibly. That’s the one I would be looking at if I was a Sunderland fan.
“If those clubs suddenly lose players then Sunderland could be a rich picking ground for a few teams. But as it stands, they’re not looking to do so.”
Kieffer Moore signing ‘might be hard’
Sunderland have held talks with Bournemouth over a loan deal for striker Kieffer Moore, though the Welshman is overran with interest from the Championship.
We asked whether the Black Cats stand much of a chance of landing Moore, who is also a target for the likes of Cardiff, Ipswich, Leeds and others.
“I think it might be hard for Sunderland to get this one over the line with the wages that come with it. We know Sunderland don’t pay huge wages and with some of these big boys who are spending a lot of cash now, it’s not easy. I don’t think they are favourites.”
Yann M’Vila is not a priority
Sunderland fans were sent into an excited frenzy when reports emerged that they were looking to re-sign Yann M’Vila, who became a free agent when he left Olympiacos in the summer.
We quizzed Graeme on whether Beale’s side are still trying to sign the Frenchman.
“As far as I know he was offered to them. Didn’t get a firm definite no, but I don’t really see him being a Michael Beale player. I don’t think he’s at the top of their to-do list.”
Alex Pritchard is ready to leave
Alex Pritchard‘s future has been in doubt for a while now, and questions have only increased after recent reports claimed that Tony Mowbray was eager to bring the midfielder to Birmingham City with him.
We asked whether Pritchard looked to be on his way this month and whether there was a possibility of Sunderland offering him a new contract.
“The player wants to leave this month and Tony Mowbray wants him now. Cesc Fabregas would like him too [at Como] and I think he’s got other options abroad in Turkey and the MLS.
“The player wants to go, he’s not getting a new contract and from what I’m hearing, Sunderland have been trying to move him on for the last 12 months. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t leave in this window, I think he will go.”