Sunderland look to have pulled the plug on a deal for one of their January transfer targets.
Sunderland have a few irons in the fire ahead of the transfer deadline at 11pm tonight.
Kieffer Moore’s name is being banded around, whilst Romaine Mundle appears to be joining Leo Hjelde as Michael Beale‘s first signings as Sunderland boss.
But one player who may not be heading to the Stadium of Light, despite strong links, is Callum Styles.
It was said that the Hungarian international had been in advanced talks to join Sunderland, even being left out of a recent Barnsley fixture to hold talks.
But rumours of Styles to Sunderland have gone cold.
Scott Wilson suggests Callum Styles to Sunderland has collapsed
The Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has now provided some insight on Styles.
He says that Styles was definitely someone who was considered by the Black Cats, but that the recent arrival of Hjelde now gives Beale an immediate option in defence, rather than someone like Styles who can play in multiple positions.
Wilson posted on X:
The dilemma for Styles
Styles would’ve been a very shrewd addition for Sunderland. But he may face a similar problem going forward in that buying clubs don’t really know his best position.
Signing Hjelde is easier for Sunderland as he slots right into one position, giving Beale and the club a clearer picture of where the club now needs to bolster.
But for Styles, whilst being a versatile player is obviously a plus and could be a determining factor in some clubs looking to buy him, it just seemed like Sunderland had other priorities going into deadline day, like Wilson suggests.
Now, it looks definite that the club will pursue a new striker, and maybe a new midfielder ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Sunderland return to Championship action vs neighbours Middlesbrough this weekend.