Welcome to Last Word on Football’s Sunderland transfer rumours round-up for Friday, January 31st. With transfer deadline day looming, rumours of deals being done both in and out of the club continue to gather pace.
Today, we look at the latest on Tommy Watson who is wanted by Brighton, Adil Aouchiche who is expected to leave and the two latest players to be linked to arrive before the window shuts on Monday.
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Sunderland Transfer Rumours Round-Up: Tommy Watson and Adil Aouchiche Latest, Plus Two Possible Arrivals
Tommy Watson Linked Again With EPL Club
According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton are back on the trail of winger Tommy Watson. The Seagulls had a bid rejected last summer but are now reportedly in talks to test Sunderland’s desire again to keep the youngster.
18-year-old Watson is currently recovering from injury but is expected back soon. He played his way into the first team this season and impressed, scoring two goals in 10 Championship games so far. The Blacks are reluctant to sell; however, with the winger having just 18 months left on his contract, their hand could be forced.
Adil Aouchiche’s Move Hits Snag
The Sunderland Echo are reporting that Adil Aouchiche’s move to Portsmouth has hit a snag: however, the midfielder could still leave the club before the transfer window shuts.
Sunderland and Portsmouth had agreed a loan deal for Aouchiche but Pompey have used up their four allocated ESC slots for those players without a work permit. For the deal to proceed, Portsmouth will need to move another play on which could happen as deals begin to gather pace ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Read More: Sunderland’s January Transfer Window Success Stories
Willem Geubbels the Lastest Striker Linked
Reports in the Sunderland Echo and Foot Mercato, claim Sunderland are one of several clubs interested in FC St. Gallen striker Willem Geubbels with the Black Cats preparing a transfer offer.
It is believed that Sunderland’s Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers and Luton Town have both had bids rejected. An offer of €4 million from Rovers and one of €8 million from the Hatters were both dismissed.
The Frenchman who has been at Swiss club FC St. Gallen since January 2023 has been in good form this season, scoring 10 goals in 24 games. However, it appears that it will take a big offer to tempt his current club to part with their star striker.
Winger Marcus Edwards Holds Exploratory Talks
Portuguese website Record believes that Sporting Lisbon’s former Tottenham forward Marcus Edwards is nearing the exit door and Sunderland are in the hunt to sign him.
It is reported that Sunderland have held exploratory talks with the 26-year-old winger; however, Championship rivals Burnely are also believed to be interested. Edwards can play on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder and could be available for around £6.7 million.
Sunderland Transfer Rumours: Regis Le Bris Relaxed but Wants Reinforcements
Head coach Regis Le Bris has today spoken about the closing stages of the transfer window and what he is hoping for. He said: “We are working hard and I hope that we’ll succeed. It’s a process and I’m not worried.
“We are working hard, we don’t need many players so this is a good position for us. We have a good team. If we can reinforce some positions it is positive for us, because competition helps everyone to grow. We’re not in a bad place so if we can reinforce, good, if not – we manage the situation.
“We need good quality. That is very important, but it is very clear that, today and for a long period before, the forward positions are our weakest positions. It is just a question of numbers there.
“If we don’t recruit a player in these positions, then we will be on the edge because every time we got an injury, we wouldn’t have players at the same level on the bench who could come in. We have players to develop, but if our main goal is to be in the top two, top four, to compete with the best teams, then it is not a period to talk about developing players.”
