The transfer deadline is fast approaching, and Sunderland are at the heart of plenty of transfer rumours regarding players coming in and heading out of Wearside.
Sunderland fans are still ecstatic about the signing of Enzo Le Fee at the start of the month, and the Frenchman has made a great start to life under Regis Le Bris.
It is clear Sunderland’s next transfer priority now is to sign a new striker, with various forwards linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats may have missed out on Tom Cannon, but another target may still be available. But, Sunderland also need to focus on keeping hold of their prized assets, too.
Everton and West Ham have Dan Neil on their radar
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: Dan Neil is wanted by two Premier League clubs, with Everton and West Ham tracking the Sunderland skipper.
It is thought Sunderland have placed a £15m price tag on Neil’s head as they look to deter potential suitors, and any more is expected to be very difficult to get over the line this month given where the Black Cats are in the table right now.
Keeping hold of Neil would be crucial to Sunderland’s hopes of securing promotion this season, and we’re sure every Mackem is wishing these rumours would go away very quickly.
Nazariy Rusyn rejects Aberdeen move, but exit is close
From one player Sunderland are desperate to keep, to one they are hoping to nudge out of the exit door as soon as possible, Nazariy Rusyn is believed to be close to leaving the club this month.
The Ukrainian was not involved in the recent win over Derby County as a result of his imminent departure, but where he is going and whether it will be a permanent move or not, remain to be seen.
What we do know is that Rusyn rejected the chance to join Aberdeen this week. Presumably he is holding out for a better offer, and hopefully one comes along before February 3rd.
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Rabbi Matondo’s Coventry move could collapse, opening the door for Sunderland
Finally, we move on to talk of a player who may actually end up joining Sunderland, despite a switch to another Championship club appearing to be done and dusted.
Rangers man, Rabbi Matondo, was all set to join Coventry City this week, but an issue with payments has seen the transfer falter.
Matondo’s move is now in doubt, which could leave Sunderland open to a swoop to hijack the deal and bring the forward to the Stadium of Light instead.