Sunderland appear to be hard at work in the summer transfer market, after appointing Regis Le Bris as their new head coach.
Sunderland ended their pain-staking four-month search for a new head coach with the appointment of Regis Le Bris in June.
The Frenchman takes charge following Michel Beale’s exit after just 12 games in February, and after Sunderland’s disappointing 16th place finish in the Championship last time round.
Now, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has to provide Le Bris with the tools needed to compete in the Championship next season, with a big summer needed in the transfer market.
Here we round up all the latest Sunderland transfer news and rumours…
Sunderland eyeing Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Sunderland are linked with Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who was previously linked with a move to the Stadium of Light last summer.
The Black Cats are thought to be rivalling the likes of Blackburn Rovers, QPR, and Stoke City for the 21-year-old, who featured six times in the Premier League for Palace last season.
Sunderland leading race to sign Divin Mubama
Another name who’s been on Sunderland’s radar for some time now is Divin Mubama, who’s a free agent after seeing his West Ham contract expire.
He looked set to move abroad, but more recent reports have claimed that Sunderland are leading the race to sign Mubama on a free transfer this summer.
Sunderland eyeing Ollie Norwood
Journalist Michael Graham recently revealed that Sunderland hold a ‘serious interest’ in free agent midfielder Ollie Norwood.
The 33-year-old, who has 381 Championship appearances to his name and four promotions from the second tier with the likes of Brighton, Fulham, and two at Sheffield United, is a free agent after leaving the Blades.
Chris Willock set to snub Sunderland
Sunderland were linked with QPR attacker Chris Willock ahead of the summer transfer window, and the ex-Arsenal man is now technically a free agent.
But recent reports say that Willock is now in talks over a renewal at QPR, with staying thought to be his preferred option.
Phil Smith shares Sunderland transfer verdict
Lastly, journalist Phil Smith has given his verdict on what Sunderland’s 2024 summer transfer window could entail.
He said: “I don’t think the policy of signing young players, whether it be from Premier League academies, whether it be from abroad; I don’t think that would change, and to be honest, I’d expect another group of young player to come in this summer. It wouldn’t surprise me at all.
“I think where there has been a shift, or maybe an acknowledgement, is that they need some more Championship experience through the spine of the team.
“The important thing to remember is that [Corry] Evans and [Bradley] Dack are gone. So they actually need to bring in two experienced Championship players, just to replace what they’ve already lost.”