Sunderland have set their bar high for this January transfer window with the seemingly imminent signing of Enzo Le Fee. But the Black Cats may now be heading for a transfer blow, dealt by a very familiar face.
Sunderland are poised to sign Enzo Le Fee on loan from Roma in what might prove to be one of the signings of the season in the Championship.
Few thought the deal was possible, but the Black Cats have fended off competition from some of Europe’s top teams and it’s another signing that heaps praise on sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
He’d set a high standard for himself in the transfer market already. But the signing of Le Fee certainly pushes that bar ever higher. Another exciting name linked with Sunderland this month is Aston Villa’s Louie Barry.
It’s claimed that Sunderland want to sign Barry on loan from Villa who are weighing up whether to offload him permanently, or to loan him out to a Championship club during the January transfer window.
Alex Neil’s Millwall join Sunderland in Louie Barry race
Sunderland aren’t the only ones interested in Barry. There’s also interest from the likes of Leeds United and Sheffield United at the top of the Championship table, and from a number of others further down the standings.
But Sunderland are tipped to beat Leeds in the race for Barry, who’s likely to get more gametime at the Stadium of Light than Elland Road. But he could get unlimited amounts of gametime at somewhere like Millwall.
South London Press report that Millwall, who recently appointed former Sunderland manager Alex Neil, are now in the race to sign Barry on loan this month. But for Millwall, the chances that they sign Barry may depend on a transfer merry-go-round involving Jobe Bellingham.
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The Jobe Bellingham factor as Millwall eye Louie Barry
Bellingham has Premier League interest from the likes of Arsenal and Crystal Palace, who seem like the teams most likely to make a move for the 19-year-old during the winter window.
But Palace are also keen on Millwall attacker Romain Esse. South London Press’ report suggests that Millwall could up the ante to sign a winger, such as Barry, if Esse’s proposed move to Palace starts to ramp up.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner says the club want to make two signings this month. But they’re desperate for a left-back and so a move for Bellingham and Esse seems unlikely.
If the Eagles swoop for Bellingham then it may mean Millwall cool their interest in Barry, as they’ll be keeping Esse. If they swoop for Esse, it could see Millwall really push for Barry. So there seems to be a lot moving parts with regards to Barry’s next move, and certainly a lot of teams keen.