Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris insists Northern Ireland’s Trai Hume “absolutely” remains a key part of his plans at the Premier League club and “there's no question” he will stay with the Black Cats amid reported transfer interest from Everton.
Hume departed Linfield for the Stadium of Light in January 2022 and has developed into one of Sunderland’s most consistent players, helping them scale the English pyramid from League One to the Premier League.
The 24-year-old featured in all 38 of Sunderland’s top flight matches last term as they qualified for the Europa League, marking their European return for the first time since 1973, and scored in a 2-1 win over Chelsea on the final day.
He previously received transfer interest from across England and Europe before signing a long-term contract extension until 2030 last year, but ESPN reported in recent days that Everton are keen to secure his services in a £20million deal.
Northern Ireland's Trai Hume (right) has been the subject of transfer speculation. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)placeholder image
Northern Ireland's Trai Hume (right) has been the subject of transfer speculation. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
It’s understood Linfield inserted a 15% sell-on clause as part of Hume’s transfer, which means they could bank £3million if his move to Goodison Park came to fruition over the coming days.
However, reports emerging on Saturday seemed to suggest Everton have turned their attention to Fulham’s Kenny Tete as David Moyes looks to bolster his defensive options.
Hume started in Sunderland’s opening day Premier League defeat to Ipswich Town last weekend and is expected to be involved once again in Sunday’s home clash with Fulham.
He has been a trusted member of Le Bris’ squad and the Sunderland chief insists Hume’s flexibility makes him an important player – and he has no intention of losing the Ballymena native.
"Absolutely (Hume is a key part of plans),” said Le Bris in a press conference. "You never know in football or life but for me there's no question [of him leaving].
"The journey will be so long this season, we enjoy his flexibility.
"It's so good to have a player like him. He can play right-back in a back four, wing-back, right winger, midfielder. The connection with Nordi (Mukiele) and Thomas (Meunier) is really good.
"We know that Nordi and Thomas have really good volume, they can run all day and exploit the wide areas.
"So to keep the balance, the connection with Trai is really important.
"It's key because he can feel when he needs to drop to allow say Nordi to go forward and attack and the balance is always maintained on this side.
"Often it's said Trai is not a winger. That's true - he's something different and the connection on our right side is brilliant.
"We can still be better, it's possible, but at the minute it's strong if you think about the goal against Chelsea, we play with Trai on this side and Trai scored."