Sunderland have agreed a key deal to bolster their squad in the final embers of the January transfer window.
The Black Cats spent heavily in the summer, preparing for their first top flight campaign in almost a decade. More importantly, however, the club spent smartly. Reinforced under the guidance of Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have enjoyed a stellar return to the Premier League. With 33 points after 23 games, Sunderland have long been considered safe from the relegation fight, a testament to their form thus far.
After such a busy summer, it has been a quiet winter window on Wearside by comparison. Sunderland have signed young winger Jocelin Ta Bi from Maccabi Netanya, but the 20-year-old is very much viewed as a signing for the future.
Otherwise, despite a number of rumours, Sunderland have not yet brought in any further players.
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Le Bris is in no rush to recruit new bodies to his squad, though did not conclusively say there would be no further incomings. Speaking ahead of his side's league game against Burnley, as per the BBC, the Frenchman said: "We don't need to rush anything. We are happy with our squad. If we can reinforce our squad, then we will try."
Now, it has been reported that the Black Cats are close to making an addition ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on the 2nd February.
Sunderland close to signing competition for one of their standout players
Of the additions Sunderland made to their team in the summer, perhaps only Granit Xhaka has been more impressive than goalkeeper Robin Roefs. Signed from NEC in the Netherlands, Roefs has kept seven clean sheets so far in the league, appearing in every Premier League match for Sunderland to date. The Dutchman has, by far, been one of the division's stand-out shot-stoppers.
Roefs' form has come at a cost to Anthony Patterson. A mainstay in the side that won promotion from the Championship, Patterson has scarcely had a glance in the first team since Roefs' arrival. Patterson appears close to departing the Stadium of Light and it seems that now, the Black Cats have identified a replacement.
Keith Downie of Sky Sports has reported that Melker Ellborg is close to securing a £3 million switch to Sunderland. Currently plying his trade with Malmo in Sweden, Ellborg has been utilised by the club in their Europa League matches this season but is now set to move to the Premier League.
Melker Ellborg in action for Malmo
The goalkeeper has been a target for Manchester United recently, to such an extent that the player himself spoke about the rumours to Expressen.
Ellborg fits the type of player that the Red Devils have looked to sign under INEOS, akin to Senne Lammens, another young goalkeeper with potential to grow.
As per Downie, Ellborg's profile is similar to Roefs'. Given the level of form that the Dutchman has produced across the current campaign and Le Bris' proven ability to upgrade players in his squad, Sunderland have plenty of reason to be excited about Ellborg's arrival.