Sunderland’s pursuit of a recent transfer target is now back on ahead of tonight’s deadline.
Sunderland look set to seal their second signing of the transfer window in Romaine Mundle later today, but they don’t appear to be finished there.
The Black Cats are really struggling with squad depth in the midfield following the long-term injury to Corry Evans, while Jay Matete has briefly been linked with a move away this month too.
Sunderland were in negotiations with Barnsley over a move for Callum Styles last week and was expected to leave the League One outfit, however talks of the switch went quiet after they failed to overcome some major ‘obstacles’.
However, journalist Alan Nixon has now reported that a deal for Styles is back on ahead of the deadline.
Speaking on his Patreon, Nixon said: “Sunderland are pushing on with a deal for Barnsley’s talented Callum Styles.
“The Black Cats expect to agree terms with the Oakwell club and then sort out the player who’s keen to move.
“Styles can play left midfield or even wing back and that suits Michael Beale’s plans for the rest of the season.”
Is Callum Styles what Sunderland need?
Sunderland were in desperate need of a new midfielder this month and Jay Matete’s potential exit raised a lot of questions.
Callum Styles has been linked with a number of clubs – including ones in the Premier League – so seems to be a very promising signing for the Black Cats.
However, the ‘excellent’ 23-year-old isn’t a defensive midfielder, and it seems pretty obvious that that is what this team needs.
Pierre Ekwah and Dan Neil have both plyed their trade in more of a defensive position this term and it hasn’t quite worked out, with both players looking much better when they are able to drive forward.
Styles could be a great addition to the midfield, but he isn’t going to firm up that spot just in front of the backline either.