In the latest Sunderland transfer rumours, we look at the report in the Sunderland Echo claiming Notts County’s prolific marksman Macaulay Langstaff is a genuine target for the Black Cats this transfer window. The striker who hails from Stockton-on-Tees could welcome a return to the North East and test himself at Championship level. We also look at the latest involving Yann M’Vila and Alex Pritchard.
Sunderland Transfer Rumours: Black Cats Have Genuine Interest in Striker
Prolific Marksman at National League and League Two
Langstaff played for several North East teams at non-league level at the beginning of his career but it was when he moved to Gateshead that the goals began to flow. 36 goals in 63 appearances in all competitions, 32 in one season earned him a Player of the Year award and a place in the league’s team of the year.
His performances earned him a move to Notts County where his goalscoring hit new heights. 42 goals in 45 league games set a club and league record. These goals helped County achieve promotion back to the Football League. The step up hasn’t fazed him having scored 20 league goals already this season.
Sunderland Transfer Rumours: Black Cats Will Face Stiff Competition for His Signature
Should Sunderland decide that Langstaff is the man they want, a fee of around £1.5 million will reportedly be required to tempt Notts County into selling a player they bought for just £50,000.
However, the Blacks will face competition for his signature with a host of clubs interested. North East rivals Middlesbrough are reportedly interested as are Wrexham, Derby County, Peterborough United, Birmingham City and Scottish Premier League side Hearts.
Other Sunderland Transfer Rumours
Interest in Alex Pritchard
Elsewhere, attacking midfielder Alex Pritchard is reportedly a target for Turkish club Sivasspor. Turkish TV reporter Ertan Suzgun from Sports Digitale has reported that an official bid has been made for Pritchard whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
Head coach Michael Beale spoke about Pritchard in his latest press conference. He said: “Alex has been excellent since I’ve come in. He missed the first couple of games but then he’s played very well. His contract situation was ongoing before I came in, that’s between him and the club. At the moment he’s here, he’s in our team and playing well so that’s my focus.”
Latest on Yann M’Vila
French outlet Foot Mertaco have reported that ‘M’Vila is the priority of Sunderland’, with reporter Santi Aouna adding contact has taken place. The midfielder was a fan favourite during his only season on Wearside in 2015/16 where he featured 40 times on loan.
The now 33-year-old is currently a free agent and has already spoke of his willingness to return to the Stadium of Light. At the end of last year, M’Vila said: “There is only one club for which I would have agreed to return to the lower division for is Sunderland, to help them return to the Premier League. I had an extraordinary year there. I’m not just a footballer, I can help on and off the pitch, I know the moments of crisis. I am a reliable person. If you trust me, I’ll give it back to you a thousand times.”
