Sunderland have set their sights on a "ridiculous" player ahead of the summer transfer window, with several Premier League clubs now in the race for his signature, including Newcastle United.
Black Cats mounting surprise European push
The Black Cats could hardly have dreamed of a better first season back in the Premier League, having defeated bitter rivals Newcastle twice, with the most recent victory leaving them in a position to mount a surprise push for Europe.
Regis Le Bris' side ran out 2-1 winners at St. James' Park prior to the international break, with Brian Brobbey bagging a dramatic late winner, which leaves them just three points adrift of seventh-place Brentford.
After gaining promotion via a play-off final victory against Sheffield United, the Stadium of Light outfit invested heavily in the summer transfer window, with a number of players who played a key role in the Championship ultimately losing their place in the starting XI.
However, Trai Hume has remained integral to Le Bris, with the manager recently praising the Northern Irishman's ability to play in multiple positions, saying: "He has a strong versatility. Left-back, right-back, right-winger, midfielder, probably centre-back. I don't know in the back four, I've never tried that but in a back three, 100%. He's versatile and we need this kind of player."
Indeed, Hume has featured in a number of areas this season, captaining his side on five occasions, and the Black Cats are now looking to bring in a player represented by the same agent as the 24-year-old.
"Ridiculous" defender emerges as target for Sunderland
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Sunderland are now plotting a blockbuster move to sign Rico Lewis, with Manchester City prepared to sanction a departure this summer, should the right-back decide to push for an exit.
Newcastle are also keen on signing the £25k-a-week defender, alongside Fulham, Everton, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Brentford, with the race for his signature starting to heat up.
Manchester City's Rico Lewis
Lewis, whose main position is right-back, is concerned about a lack of game time, having fallen down the pecking order at Man City this season, appearing for just 312 minutes across ten appearances in the Premier League.
However, the Englishman has impressed when given the opportunity in the past, being lauded by Statman Dave after playing a key role in a 5-0 FA Cup victory against Huddersfield Town.
In fact, the 21-year-old is already very experienced, having made 115 senior appearances for Man City since breaking through in the 2022-23 campaign, during which time he's contributed seven goals and 12 assists.
At this stage of his career, Lewis is at risk of his development being stifled if he doesn't receive regular game time, so a move to Sunderland could make sense for all parties.
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The Black Cats could finally get their man.