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Sunderland eye Carvalho, Spileers and Luiz – as talk emerges around Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil...
Sunderland are being linked with another ambitious round of transfer activity ahead of the January window.
According to multiple reports across Europe, Régis Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman are looking to strengthen Sunderland’s squad for the second half of the campaign as the Black Cats aim to consolidate their Premier League status after a remarkable start to life back in the top flight.
Fabio Carvalho interest
As reported by Mackem News, Sunderland are weighing up a potential move for Fabio Carvalho, who has struggled for minutes at Brentford this term. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has made just 96 minutes of Premier League action and could be allowed to leave on loan in January.
Journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that a return to the Bundesliga – where Carvalho previously featured for RB Leipzig – is a “concrete option”. However, Sunderland are said to be among several English clubs monitoring his situation, with Leeds United and Wolves also expressing interest.
Carvalho signed for Brentford from Liverpool in a £20.5million deal last summer and has scored five goals and assisted three in 31 appearances for the Bees. Sunderland’s recruitment model, which focuses on technical, development-focused players, makes him a stylistic fit for Le Bris’ high-possession, progressive system.
European scouting focus – Spileers and Luiz
Sunderland are also targeting a double European swoop, with moves being explored for Club Brugge defender Jorne Spileers and Rio Ave forward André Luiz. Belgian outlet Walfoot report that the Black Cats are “willing to make an effort” to land Spileers, who has already made 84 senior appearances for Club Brugge, including 17 this season. The 20-year-old centre-back, valued at around €3.5million (£3million), is viewed as one of Belgium’s brightest young prospects and is admired for his ball-playing ability and defensive maturity.
Sunderland already boast a strong relationship with Club Brugge following the success of Chemsdine Talbi, who made the same move to Wearside last summer. Brugge are believed to be in a strong negotiating position with Spileers under contract until 2028, though Borussia Mönchengladbach are also tracking the Belgium Under-21 international.
Meanwhile, in Portugal, ESPN Brazil’s Bruno Andrade claims Sunderland have stepped up their interest in André Luiz, a 23-year-old Rio Ave forward who has started the Liga Portugal season in excellent form. A product of Flamengo’s academy, Luiz has four goals and three assists in eight league matches and is valued at €2.5million (£2.1million).
His contract also runs until 2028, meaning Sunderland would likely need to offer above £2million to tempt Rio Ave into a sale. Luiz’s pace, power and finishing make him an ideal rotational option for Le Bris as Sunderland prepare to lose attacking players to AFCON in January.
Goalkeeper reports and movement
While Sunderland’s recruitment team explores additions, there may also be outgoings to manage. Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Leicester City and Southampton are monitoring goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, with Sunderland open to the possibility of a January loan move. The 25-year-old – a two-time promotion winner – has lost his starting spot to Dutch keeper Robin Roefs and could be allowed to depart temporarily to secure more first-team football. However, that would likely depend on Sunderland being able to bring a replacement in.
In the meantime, Sunderland’s academy stopper Isaac Allan has been gaining valuable senior experience with Morpeth Town, joining the Northern Premier League side on a 28-day loan. The 18-year-old former Lincoln City goalkeeper signed for Sunderland last summer and has impressed at Under-21 level, recently earning his first senior red card in Premier League 2 action against Stoke City.
Academy manager Robin Nicholls praised Allan’s potential at the time of his signing, saying: “He has a good build for a goalkeeper and has already shown some of the key attributes we look for in that position.” Allan’s temporary move north is designed to accelerate his development with regular senior football.
Dan Neil’s situation
Elsewhere, Dan Neil continues to attract transfer attention, according to Alan Nixon, but remains part of Le Bris's plans for this season. The Sunderland boss confirmed the midfielder is currently recovering from a training-ground concussion, ruling him out of last week’s U21 fixture against Anderlecht.
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Le Bris said: “Yes, [we considered playing him in the U21s game], but he had a concussion from a training session. He might be available, but we’ll have to wait.” Neil’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, and when asked if there had been progress on talks, Le Bris was candid: “I don’t think so.”
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