Sunderland are now being rivalled by a handful of European clubs in the race to sign one of Britain’s hottest talents.
As ever, Sunderland will have their ears to the ground for who’s hot in Europe right now, with Kristjaan Speakman always looking to unearth the next gems at the Stadium of Light.
Last summer, he added some much-needed experience to the squad and Sunderland under Regis Le Bris look a lot better for it.
But ahead of January, it’s claimed that Sunderland could let a number of fringe players leave, including youngsters who Speakman gambled on, but who’ve yet to impress.
Joe Anderson and Nazariy Rusyn are among those free to leave. And should they leave then it opens up spots in the first-team to add some more exciting young players, next in line to try their hand at the Academy of Light.
One possible example is Celtic striker Daniel Cummings, who’s been described as being in ‘red hot form’ right now.
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European trio join Sunderland in race for Celtic striker Daniel Cummings
Cummings, 18, has shot to fame in the last few weeks, mainly due to his prolific form for Celtic’s U19s in the UEFA Youth League where he’s scored six in six this season.
It was previously reported that Sunderland were keeping tabs on Cummings at Celtic. But now, Scottish football reporter Anthony Joseph has revealed that a handful of European teams are also making checks.
Joseph posted on X: “Bologna, Club Brugge & RB Salzburg are all interested in Celtic striker Daniel Cummings and have sent scouts to watch him closely.”
Cummings’ Celtic future remains uncertain with his contract out at the end of the season, and no news of a possible renewal just yet.
Daniel Cummings and Sunderland would be a ‘good fit’, says pundit
Speaking recently, pundit Carlton Palmer stated that Cummings would be a good fit for Sunderland in January, given the Black Cats’ focus on younger players.
Palmer said: “I think Sunderland would be a good move for him. He wants to go to a club where he is going to play too, so I think the Black Cats could be the favourites to sign him.
“Daniel would be a good fit for the club, when you look at the players that have come on there. Look at Jack Clarke, the way he flourished at Sunderland when given the opportunity.”
At 18, and with Sunderland having very few striker options ahead of next season with Wilson Isidor and Aaron Connolly currently set to leave next summer, Cummings could even find first-team minutes at Sunderland in the second half of this season.
Though with European clubs now in the mix and able to agree a pre-contract deal with Cummings, the chances of Sunderland signing the Scottish hotshot seem to be dwindling.