The January transfer window is now in full swing, and Sunderland appear to be focusing on the midfield area right now.
Regis Le Bris has worked wonders at Sunderland so far, with the Black Cats still challenging for the title as we embark on a new year.
There are a number of areas Le Bris may want to reinforce in the Sunderland squad, with a new striker top of the fans’ wishlist at the moment.
However, it would seem Sunderland should beware Premier League approaches for their best players, too, and one star man could be on his way out this month whether they like it or not.
Sunderland win race for Enzo Le Fee despite Lille interest
All the talk around Sunderland at the moment pertains to Enzo Le Fee, the Roma midfielder who used to play for Le Bris at FC Lorient.
Interest from Real Betis and Sevilla cooled recently, opening the door for Sunderland to push ahead and try to convince the Frenchman to move to England.
Le Bris explicitly requested the signing of Le Fee, but it was thought the midfielder was more keen to head back to his homeland, with Lille also interested.
However, it now appears that Sunderland have won the race for the Le Fee and he will join on loan with an option to buy the midfielder in the future, which could become an obligation if the Black Cats win promotion.
Le Fee joined Roma for £19m last summer but has fallen out of favour under Claudio Ranieri at the Stadio Olimpico.
Sunderland looking to South Africa for midfielder, Thalente Mbatha a target
It would appear Sunderland are extremely keen to bolster the midfield area, with Thalente Mbatha also linked with a January move.
The South Africa international currently plays for Orlando Pirates in his homeland, where Sunderland scouts are thought to have been keeping a close eye on his progress.
However, Mbatha’s agent has played down the rumours, and it is believed the Pirates are not interested in letting him go anytime soon.
Jobe Bellingham’s private agreement could open the door for Arsenal and Crystal Palace
The bad news for Sunderland right now is that their best players are attracting a lot of attention from bigger clubs.
Jobe Bellingham is the one with the loudest rumours at the moment, with Crystal Palace and Arsenal both pushing for the midfielder’s signature.
It was revealed recently that Sunderland have an agreement with Bellingham that would allow him to move on if a Premier League club makes a suitable offer, with a £20m price tag mooted.
However, Le Bris is confident of keeping his best players this month and will be hoping that happens given his team’s promotion push.
Harvey Vale will cost nothing
Links between Sunderland and Harvey Vale have been somewhat cooler of late, but the Black Cats may be more interested in the Chelsea midfielder after the latest development in his situation.
Apparently, Chelsea will not want a fee for Vale, but will instead look for lucrative add-ons and performance-related bonus clauses to build a suitable deal for the youngster.
It is thought up to four Championship clubs are keen on Vale, with Sunderland among those in the hunt for the 21-year-old.