Sunderland are yet to spend a penny in the summer transfer window.
The Black Cats wrapped up a free transfer deal for Alan Browne last week, with the midfielder leaving Preston North End after ten years.
Sunderland had also snapped up Simon Moore following his release from Coventry City last month.
The club could be set to earn plenty of cash if they offload Jack Clarke this summer, while Anthony Patterson is also in demand in the Premier League.
Sunderland could be waiting for players to leave before they open their wallet, though they could run out of time if their targets move elsewhere.
One player that the Wearside outfit have been linked with is Scott Twine, whose time at Burnley looks to be coming to an end.
Sunderland have been linked with a move for the midfielder, however he had previously looked close to rejoining Bristol City.
Sunderland haven’t ‘made the right offer’ for £4m man
His future is now up in the air again though, while it has been reported that none of his potential suitors have made the ‘right offer’ yet.
When asked about Twine, journalist Alan Nixon wrote on X: “Nobody made the right offer yet.”
It’s unclear whether Sunderland have actually launched a bid for the 25-year-old, though Nixon reported last week that Birmingham City were ‘trying’ to sign him.
Twine’s current market value is only just over £2.5 million, though Burnley will likely want to at least make up the £4m they paid for him two years ago.
With Birmingham and Bristol City two of the other interest parties, the Clarets are most likely to sell to the highest bidder. However, he could well be forced to stay at Turf Moor if no club is willing to meet his valuation.
Do the Black Cats need to splash the cash on Scott Twine?
Twine would be a solid addition to Regis Le Bris’ squad and could add the creativity, goals and assists that was never replaced when Amad Diallo left.
It does also feel like a bit of a risk though, with the ‘terrific’ midfielder never really finding his feet in the Championship.
Twine bagged 33 goal contributions in 47 matches in League One during the 2021-22 season, but has since struggled with injuries, form and a lack of game-time.
He hasn’t managed to nail down a consistent run in the team, but could return to the player he was if he can keep a regular spot in the squad.
The Black Cats would still have to pay a lot of money to lure him to the Stadium of Light though, and it is unlikely they are going to cough up that kind of cash with Clarke yet to earn them a eight-figure fee.
They have also just signed Browne, who may not play in the No.10 role for Sunderland, but adds an alternative option as an attacking midfielder to Jobe.
If the Black Cats can keep hold of Dan Neil then their midfield is beginning to look really strong, so it begs the question as to whether Twine would actually fit in.