Thom Haye has responded to transfer speculation linking him with a move to Sunderland.
The Herenveen midfielder has spoken to ESPN about his potential departure and hasn’t ruled anything out this summer.
Haye only joined Herenveen from NAC Breda in January 2022 but immediately impressed in the Eredivisie, scoring three goals and bagging eight assists since arriving at the club.
Sunderland have been linked with Haye for the past month or so, with Herenveen preparing to potentially lose their star man as he enters the final year of his contract.
Journalist Sander de Vries previously reported that the Black Cats were among several clubs in France targeting the midfielder and he has now spoken out on the rumours.
Speaking to ESPN, Haye said: “That is also something that I said when I came to Heerenveen.
“I know things are going on. Going into names (with other clubs) doesn’t make much sense.
“There is a lot of interest in the background. It’s difficult in terms of price at the moment. I look at it calmly. I have the ambition to take the step, but only if it is a good step and everything falls into place.”
Haye joined Herenveen for around £650,000 last year, though it is unclear how much Sunderland would have to pay to lure him to England this summer.
Thom Haye could add more leadership and experience to Sunderland’s squad
Sunderland have been building a very young squad over the last few seasons and it has so far worked a treat, with the youngster guiding them to the Championship play-offs in May.
However, the Black Cats can’t forget the need for a bit of leadership within the squad.
Sunderland currently have the likes of Danny Batth, Lynden Gooch and Corry Evans to take up that role, however there have already been rumours of the former two leaving the club.
While Haye is clearly a very talented player in his own right, his arrival would also be a huge benefit in the dressing room and on the pitch.