Like every club in the Championship, Sunderland love a bargain. Kristjaan Speakman has a knack of finding talented young players for very cheap, and now he might be about to land one for absolutely nothing.
Sunderland have often made use of the free agent market. They did so during the last summer transfer window bringing in all of Simon Moore, Blondy Nna Noukeu, Ian Poveda, and Alan Browne on free transfers, adding a bit of experience to the ranks.
But the Black Cats also like to spend their share of money. Whilst the club under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus run a tight ship, they will go out and spend money on players they think have potential to net them huge transfer profits in future years.
And several such names are being linked with January moves to the Stadium of Light. Some names seem as though they might cost a bit, others not so much. But one name wanted by Kristjaan Speakman and co is being made available for £0.
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Sunderland handed Harvey Vale boost by Chelsea
Harvey Vale is one name being linked with a move to Wearside right now. It’s been reported that Sunderland are keeping tabs on Vale’s situation, with clubs from Europe also monitoring the 21-year-old attacking midfielder.
He’s in the final six months of his contract and is up for sale right now. It’s thought that he was available for a nominal fee, though an emerging report from The Athletic says that Chelsea are actually ready to offload him for nothing.
Their report writes that Vale is ‘expected to leave without a transfer fee’ but that Chelsea ‘want to include add-ons that will see them earn a sum depending on what Vale does at his next club plus a sell-on clause’.
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Graeme Bailey reveals Championship race to sign Harvey Vale
Sunderland aren’t the only team taking a look at Vale right now. Speaking to Sunderland AFC News this week, transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed Championship interest in Vale at Chelsea.
He told us: “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.”
Now with the news that Chelsea are ready to sell Vale for nothing, albeit with add-ons, it could really see the race for his signature spark to life in the coming days and weeks.
Regis Le Bris and his Sunderland side return to action against Stoke City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.