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Sunderland striker Trey Ogunsuyi drops transfer hint after Spurs hat-trick, eyeing more men's football this season...

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Sunderland forward Trey Ogunsuyi has hinted that a loan move could be on the cards after scoring a stunning hat-trick during the club’s 5-3 Premier League 2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night.

The 18-year-old striker, who recently signed a new long-term contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028, delivered another electrifying display at Eppleton but admitted that his next step needs to involve playing regular men’s football.

“Yeah, I’m very happy. That’s my goal as a striker, to score every game. I’m happy to do that,” Ogunsuyi said after the game. “We go into the game trying to win, get three points. We showed spirit to come back into the game, but it wasn’t our night, and we go again next week.”

Pressed on his ambitions for the season ahead, Ogunsuyi was clear about where he sees his development heading: “Yeah, this season is going to be a big season for me, obviously,” he said. “My goal is to play more men’s football, so I’m going to try and do that. Next for me is to play men’s football, like I said, and to try and break into the first team.”

Ogunsuyi may well be handed a chance at some point during the Carabao Cup clash against Huddersfield Town at the Stadium of Light in a couple of weeks. However, if Ogunsuyi is to be granted his wish of playing senior men’s football, he may have to head out on loan in January, or even before the summer window shuts.

After the game, Sunderland U21s lead coach Graeme Murty delivered his verdict on Ogunsuyi’s short-term future, suggesting that a loan move could be on the table as the club maps out the striker’s next step. Ogunsuyi has already made his senior debut under Régis Le Bris, coming off the bench in the FA Cup against Stoke City last season, and also featured during pre-season with the first team.

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Murty admitted that Sunderland have plenty of interest in the powerful forward but stressed that the club will take a measured approach when deciding what comes next for his development. “What we tend to do, we’ll sit together as a staff, we’ll sit with the first team, and we’ll look at each player’s individual journey,” Murty explained.

“And we make sure that we support that in what way we think is best to increase their learning at that particular time, particularly in the areas that we perceive that he needs. If we perceive that staying here and playing against that level of opponent every week is the thing that he needs, then he might do that alongside the training with the first team.

“If we think he’d be better served by playing against men and being challenged in a different department, then we’ll go and facilitate that because we have no shortage of suitors for the players, we have no shortage of support that we can give to the players and we just have to determine what the journey is going to look like for him. But like I said, he’s our player for now, for two years in the future, five years in the future, we’ve still got to work towards what he might become rather than what he’s looking like right now.”

Graeme Murty hails Ian Poveda’s display for Sunderland U21s as exit speculation continues this summer

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Graeme Murty has heaped praise on Ian Poveda after the Sunderland winger delivered two assists in the U21s’ 5-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night at Eppleton in the Premier League 2.

Senior head coach Régis Le Bris has informed the 25-year-old that he is free to leave this summer, but his performance at Eppleton was strong despite having not featured with Sunderland’s first team at all during pre-season or the Black Cats’ opening Premier League game against West Ham.

Murty said: “You can see the talent, you can see he’s got some magic in his feet, and he’s a nightmare in training because he’s so elusive and he’s so jinky, but he works extremely hard. As we’ve always said, we’re a willing vehicle for players who need to remain sharp, who show the right attitude and who want to come and help the young players and I thought that he was a help to our young players.”

The U21s lead coach highlighted the benefit Poveda brings to Sunderland’s emerging talent, with a number of teenagers involved against Spurs. “Let’s face it, we’ve got Finn Holcroft, we’ve got Archie Lightfoot, we’ve got Felix Scott, we’ve got Charlie Dinsdale, all under-18s coming onto that environment and trying to play and he’s been nothing but supportive so we thank him for that and we show our players, he’s the level, we need to challenge you to be better than what you’re seeing.”

Murty added that having first-team players drop down to the U21s reinforces the standards required at Premier League level. “It’s really good for us that we get so much support from our first team players that our players can understand they’re not completing their journey yet, they’ve still got steps to make, they’ve still got improvements to make. We keep on emphasising it but it’s really good that we’ve got a really tangible link to the first team that can reinforce that message.”

Murty delivers verdict on Sunderland’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur

On the game, Murty added on the 5-3 loss: “The first 30 minutes were unacceptable for the standards that we've set so far. We were far too passive, far too reactive. We didn't organise the shape of the press. We weren't clean enough on the ball.

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“Having said that, we still could have been level when we were smooth and clean with the ball, but it was far too easy to score against. That, I think, is a really good example for our young players that if we are reactive to a team who are really dynamic like that, you're going to find yourself on the back foot and chasing shadows. And I thought for the first 30 minutes it would look that way, but they showed really good resilience once again.

“They took on the information at half-time well. And I thought in the second half, I thought there was only one team in it. But then we work ever so hard to get back within touching distance and give a soft call away because players can't be bothered to do the simple things or the hard things, and deny space to our opponents. And unfortunately, we are then left ruing the multiple missed chances that we had.”

Graeme Murty has dropped a transfer hint on Trey Ogunsuyi after his hat-trick against Tottenham’s youth side

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Sunderland U21s lead coach Graeme Murty has delivered his verdict on Trey Ogunsuyi’s short-term future, hinting that the striker could head out on loan at some point.

The 18-year-old, who signed a new contract earlier this summer until 2028, scored a superb hat-trick in Monday night’s 5-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League 2. Ogunsuyi has already made his senior debut under Régis Le Bris, coming off the bench in the FA Cup against Stoke City last season, and also featured in pre-season with the first team.

Murty admitted that Sunderland have plenty of interest in the powerful forward, but stressed the club will carefully decide the right next step in his development. “What we tend to do we’ll sit together as a staff, we’ll sit with the first team, and we’ll look at each player’s individual journey.”

Murty added on the promising striker after his three goals vs Spurs: “And we make sure that we support that in what way we think is best to increase their learning at that particular time, particularly in the areas that we perceive that he needs. If we perceive that staying here and playing against that level of opponent every week is the thing that he needs, then he might do that alongside the training with the first team.

“If we think he’d be better served by playing against men and being challenged in a different department, then we’ll go and facilitate that because we have no shortage of suitors for the players, we have no shortage of support that we can give to the players and we just have to determine what the journey is going to look like for him. But like I said, he’s our player for now, for two years in the future, five years in the future, we’ve still got to work towards what he might become rather than what he’s looking like right now.”

The best is still to come from Trey Ogunsuyi

Murty was full of praise for Ogunsuyi’s attributes, suggesting the best is yet to come from the teenager. “He’s really dynamic, he’s extremely powerful. Once we increase his understanding of his attributes, once we increase his understanding of how to deploy his talents, he’s going to be really, really effective. I don’t think you’ve seen the best of him, I don’t think you’ve even glimpsed his ceiling yet.”

The U21s lead coach said the striker is thriving in the environment Sunderland have created, but challenged him to remain open-minded and focused on his development. “So what we’re seeing from him, or what we need to see from him, is a really open mindset, a real determination to continue to improve.

“And we believe we’ve created a really good environment that enables his learning, that supports his learning, but also provides a really, really good challenge. I thought the challenge tonight was something that stimulated him; you could see that he liked it, he enjoyed playing against good opponents.”

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Despite Ogunsuyi’s hat-trick, Murty admitted Sunderland should have been more clinical as a team in their defeat to Spurs. “I thought he came out on top, and I think he can be really, really upset that maybe he didn’t get a couple more. But I also think that the players alongside him need to show a bit more of a clinical, ruthless edge when we get into really good opposition areas, as we did multiple times throughout the game. We just were a bit softer in our finishing and training.”

Ogunsuyi’s display and Murty’s comments underline why the young striker has become one of the most talked-about talents in Sunderland’s academy – and why his next step, whether on Wearside or elsewhere on loan, will be watched closely.

Sunderland U21s opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 6-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night – despite a superb hat-trick from striker Trey Ogunsuyi.

The 18-year-old celebrated signing a new contract at the club by producing a sensational individual display at Eppleton, but Graeme Murty’s side were undone by a ruthless Spurs attack that raced into an early lead and never truly looked back.

Jay Matete, who started in last week’s 3-2 comeback win over Scunthorpe in the National League Trophy, was not involved. The 24-year-old’s absence will inevitably raise further questions over his future, with senior head coach Régis Le Bris having already confirmed that the midfielder can leave this summer.

His omission may indicate that a deal is edging closer. By contrast, Ian Poveda started and impressed, suggesting his own exit is not imminent. Interestingly, the game was watched by Shrewsbury Town manager Michael Appleton, sparking speculation about potential loan interest in Sunderland’s youngsters.

Murty’s line-up showed several changes from the team that featured in Lincolnshire, with Jenson Jones starting in defence and Timur Tutierov joining Poveda, Jack Whittaker and Ogunsuyi in attack. Ben Middlemas captained the side. Tottenham started brightly and went ahead after just nine minutes when Tylan Thompson’s cross was converted by Oliver Irow.

Seconds later, Sunderland goalkeeper Isaac Allan conceded a penalty, and Irow made no mistake from the spot to double the lead. The visitors extended their advantage midway through the half when Dante Cassanova struck to make it 3-0.

Sunderland gradually grew into the game and finally threatened in the 38th minute as Whittaker and Middlemas tested Spurs goalkeeper Luca Gunter. Moments later, they pulled one back, Poveda slipping a clever ball through for Ogunsuyi to finish confidently. After the break, Ollie Bainbridge was forced off injured and replaced by Archie Lightfoot before Spurs struck again, Luca Williams-Barnett restoring their three-goal cushion.

Ogunsuyi, however, was not finished. He pressed high to nick the ball from a Spurs defender before rifling home his second, making it 4-2. Murty made further changes as Timur Tutierov and Marshall Burke were replaced by Felix Scott and Jaydon Jones. Sunderland’s persistence was rewarded when Poveda again picked out Ogunsuyi, who completed his hat-trick with a composed finish to make it 4-3.

It capped a brilliant personal month for the striker, who recently committed his future to the club, and briefly gave Sunderland hope of an unlikely comeback. But Spurs had the final say. Substitute Rio Kyerematen struck late to make it 5-3, ensuring Sunderland’s spirited fightback ended in defeat as Jaydon Jones was sent off for Sunderland for a late tap on Tottenham’s goalkeeper.

Here, James Copley rates every Sunderland player during their Premier League 2 clash against Tottenham Hotspur U21s at Eppleton CW:

Shrewsbury Town manager Michael Appleton was spotted at Eppleton watching Sunderland U21s vs Tottenham

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There was an intriguing figure in the stands as Sunderland U21s got their Premier League 2 campaign underway against Tottenham Hotspur – Shrewsbury Town manager Michael Appleton.

The 49-year-old, who took charge of the League Two side last March, was in attendance at Eppleton Colliery Welfare, sparking speculation over a potential scouting mission.

Appleton has built a reputation for developing young players during his spells at Oxford United, Lincoln City and Blackpool, and his presence at Sunderland’s academy base will inevitably fuel talk of possible loan interest in some of the Black Cats and Spurs prospects.

Sunderland’s U21s squad has been heavily involved in the loan market in recent seasons, with the club keen to find the right opportunities for emerging talent. With the likes of Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson previously gaining senior minutes in the EFL, Appleton’s appearance will no doubt raise eyebrows about whether he has his eye on a similar deal.

The game itself marked the young Black Cats’ return to PL2 action after their dramatic comeback win over Scunthorpe in the National League Trophy last week. Murty’s side named a strong XI, including Jenson Jones, Oli Bainbridge, Marshall Burke, Ian Poveda and Trey Ogunsuyi, as they looked to make a positive start to the regular season.

Whether Appleton’s visit was purely to watch Sunderland or Tottenham to open the door to future moves remains to be seen – but his arrival at Eppleton certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to Sunderland’s first league outing.

What did Régis Le Bris say after Sunderland vs West Ham?

Head coach Régis Le Bris hailed Sunderland’s players after their 3-0 victory over West Ham United but warned that humility and togetherness must remain central to their Premier League campaign.

The Black Cats returned to the top flight in style on Saturday, with second-half goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor sealing their first Premier League win in over eight years.

Le Bris was delighted with the way his players responded to half-time instructions after a challenging first half and praised their ability to execute the gameplan. He also revealed that captain Granit Xhaka addressed the squad post-match to stress the importance of staying united.

“I'm happy for the fans and the players and the club,” Le Bris said. “We had different phases of pre-season and we spoke about the layers we needed to add. It was obvious that it starts from the foundations – we showed that the team is working well.

He added: “They were hard to beat in a mid to low block. The first half was a bit more difficult but during the second half we felt we could get opportunities through regains in the middle and that we could score through counter attacks.

“We didn't change many important things at half time. We spoke a bit about their goalkeeper restarts and our high press, we went for man for man and they found two or three opportunities with long balls. So it was really important to be strong in duels. We made just two or three little decisions, and it made a difference.”

Le Bris was also keen to highlight that Sunderland’s three goals came from players who were already at the club last season, despite a summer of heavy recruitment. “It's really important for two reasons, they showed they can step up [first and foremost],” he said.

“We'll see later, but today it was the case. And it's really important because they keep the identity of the club and the way we worked last season. We built this strength about togetherness, the way we work as a team. The players worked well as a team and they showed that again today.”

The Frenchman added that while the opening-day victory was a proud moment for everyone connected to the club, Sunderland would remain focused on the long campaign ahead.

Sunderland U21s get their Premier League 2 campaign underway against Tottenham on Monday evening

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Graeme Murty has named his Sunderland U21s side for the opening fixture of the Premier League 2 campaign against Tottenham Hotspur – and there’s a notable omission.

Jay Matete, who started in side during last week’s 3-2 comeback win over Scunthorpe in the National League Trophy, is not involved at all. The 24-year-old’s absence will inevitably raise questions over his future, with speculation over a potential move continuing to swirl late in the transfer window. Senior head coach Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Matete can leave the club this summer, and his non-inclusion may indicate a deal is close.

Sunderland’s line-up shows several changes from the team that featured in Lincolnshire, with Jenson Jones starting in defence, while Tutierov comes into the forward line alongside Poveda, Whittaker and Ogunsuyi. Middlemas captains the side.

The Black Cats will hope to take momentum into the PL2 opener after their dramatic win at Scunthorpe, where they fought back from 2-0 down to secure victory in stoppage time. That match saw Matete play a key role – but his absence against Spurs may indicate movement behind the scenes.

Matete has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, and while Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris is understood to value his versatility, the strength of midfield competition at senior level – with Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fée, Dan Neil, Alan Browne and Chris Rigg all ahead in the pecking order – could leave opportunities limited.

For now, Murty’s youngsters will look to make a strong start in Premier League 2, with several academy graduates handed the chance to impress. But the talking point will inevitably be Matete, whose absence suggests his Sunderland future may soon be decided. The inclusion of Poveda also suggests that his exit from the club is not imminent.

Sunderland XI: Allan, Jenson Jones, Holcroft, Kindon, Bainbridge, Burke, Middlemas, Whittaker, Poveda, Tutierov, Ogunsuyi

Subs: Cameron, Lightfoot, Jaydon Jones, Scott, Dinsdale

What did Régis Le Bris say after Sunderland vs West Ham?

Head coach Régis Le Bris hailed Sunderland’s players after their 3-0 victory over West Ham United but warned that humility and togetherness must remain central to their Premier League campaign.

The Black Cats returned to the top flight in style on Saturday, with second-half goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor sealing their first Premier League win in over eight years.

Le Bris was delighted with the way his players responded to half-time instructions after a challenging first half and praised their ability to execute the gameplan. He also revealed that captain Granit Xhaka addressed the squad post-match to stress the importance of staying united.

“I'm happy for the fans and the players and the club,” Le Bris said. “We had different phases of pre-season and we spoke about the layers we needed to add. It was obvious that it starts from the foundations – we showed that the team is working well.

He added: “They were hard to beat in a mid to low block. The first half was a bit more difficult but during the second half we felt we could get opportunities through regains in the middle and that we could score through counter attacks.

“We didn't change many important things at half time. We spoke a bit about their goalkeeper restarts and our high press, we went for man for man and they found two or three opportunities with long balls. So it was really important to be strong in duels. We made just two or three little decisions, and it made a difference.”

Le Bris was also keen to highlight that Sunderland’s three goals came from players who were already at the club last season, despite a summer of heavy recruitment. “It's really important for two reasons, they showed they can step up [first and foremost],” he said.

“We'll see later, but today it was the case. And it's really important because they keep the identity of the club and the way we worked last season. We built this strength about togetherness, the way we work as a team. The players worked well as a team and they showed that again today.”

The Frenchman added that while the opening-day victory was a proud moment for everyone connected to the club, Sunderland would remain focused on the long campaign ahead.

Sunderland announced a contract extension for Regis Le Bris on Monday evening

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Former Sunderland icon Marco Gabbiadini has hailed the club’s decision to hand head coach Regis Le Bris a contract extension, claiming that it could fend off potential interest from clubs of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham’s ilk in the future.

The Frenchman enjoyed a hugely successful debut campaign in England, guiding the Black Cats back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs after an eight-year absence from the top flight.

Indeed, his performances on Wearside were enough to attract the attention of an unnamed Premier League club earlier this summer, according to French publication L’Equipe, but instead, Le Bris took the decision to reiterate his commitment to Sunderland’s project by penning a fresh deal that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2028.

And to that end, Gabbiadini has delivered his verdict on Le Bris’ extension, lauding it as a great move for both the Black Cats boss and the club writ large.

What did Marco Gabbiadini say about Regis Le Bris’ contract extension at Sunderland?

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, the pundit said: "All positive. It has been a positive summer of transactions so it follows the trend. It protects the club. You see the likes of a Spurs or a West Ham and those sorts of clubs, if they have a slow start they are always in the hunt for any up and coming talent and he would fit that bill. So it protects the club that we have got him under contract and also rewards him I'm sure for his success with the club last season.

"There is still no doubt in my mind it is going to be a very difficult season and it will be interesting to see how that progresses. We see so often newly promoted teams changing their manager after a slow start to the campaign but hopefully Sunderland are a little bit more patient and little more considered in the way that we do that. Hopefully we look forward to a real calm time with the manager because we have been through a lot over the past seven or eight years."

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What Kristjaan Speakman and Florent Ghisolfi said about Régis Le Bris's contract extension at Sunderland

Elsewhere, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and director of football Florent Ghisolfi both spoke of their delight at the news of Le Bris’ extension, saying it gave the club clarity and focus ahead of the new campaign.

Speakman said: "Like every Sunderland supporter, I’m delighted we are announcing this contract extension for Regis. It provides clarity going into the Premier League season, but more importantly it recognises his contribution and continued commitment to the club. Regis has an unrelenting desire for progression that matches our own and we look forward to continuing our partnership throughout the upcoming season, as we move forward with aligned objectives that reflect our shared ambition.”

Ghisolfi added: "Regis’ new contract is a mark of recognition for the outstanding work he’s undertaken since arriving at Sunderland, and more importantly, it reflects our trust in the future we’re building together. Our objective is to establish Sunderland as a Premier League club –not just in name, but in identity, performance, and ambition – and Regis is an important part of that vision. He shares our desire, and we are ready to face the challenges and opportunities ahead with conviction and purpose.”

Sunderland face Premier League rival in race for Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss after fresh twist

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Sunderland remain in the frame for Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss – but now face fresh competition from Nottingham Forest, according to former Sky Sports journalist Pete O’Rourke.

O’Rourke reports that Forest are considering a move for the 21-year-old Moroccan international as a potential replacement for Morgan Gibbs-White, who is attracting strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Should Forest decide to cash in on their star playmaker, El Khannouss is one of the names being lined up to fill the creative void.

Sunderland’s interest in El Khannouss dates back to his time at Genk, before he completed a switch to Leicester City last summer. The Black Cats tracked the attacking midfielder closely during his breakthrough in Belgium, and while no formal move has been made, he remains on their long-term radar.

Sky Sports’ Keith Downie recently noted Sunderland’s admiration for the player. “Sunderland also have a long-standing interest in Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester,” Downie said. “Sunderland are keen on the attacking midfielder but aren’t actively in talks at this moment. One to watch…”

El Khannouss is widely regarded as one of the brightest young midfielders in Europe, having broken into the Morocco national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and earned multiple senior caps since. Known for his dribbling, vision and creativity in tight spaces, he fits the mould of high-upside, development-focused signings that Kristjaan Speakman and Stuart Harvey have prioritised since taking charge of Sunderland’s recruitment.

Following Jobe Bellingham’s high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland are continuing to reshape their midfield options. While the arrivals of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki have added depth and energy, El Khannouss would bring a different profile, offering a more technical, final-third presence with experience in top-level international football.

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The £21million-rated playmaker is under contract at Leicester and is expected to play a role in their upcoming Championship campaign following relegation last campaign. However, should serious interest emerge – particularly if Forest accelerate their pursuit – the Foxes could be tempted to sell.

For Sunderland, the interest remains non-urgent but active. El Khannouss may not be an immediate priority, but with the club planning long-term and targeting players capable of growing into top-tier Premier League talent, his name is not one that will disappear from their radar anytime soon.

In other news, Sunderland have been linked with a stunning move for former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, with the Black Cats also pushing ahead with a formal bid for Jhon Lucumí, according to a series of reports.

After already sealing six signings this summer – including Simon Adingra, Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fée – the club’s focus has now shifted to defensive reinforcements and experienced leadership. And if the latest claims are to be believed, Sunderland are making their most ambitious play yet.

Spurs pundit casts doubt on Dennis Cirkin return with Sunderland hopeful of new deal in top-flight

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A Tottenham Hotspur expert has poured cold water on the idea of Dennis Cirkin returning to North London this summer, backing the left-back to remain at Sunderland despite uncertainty over his long-term future.

Cirkin, 23, has just one year left on his current deal at the Stadium of Light and is yet to sign an extension, prompting speculation over his next move following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

However, John Wenham – owner of respected Spurs outlet Lilywhite Rose – believes a move back to Tottenham is unlikely. Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I don’t see Cirkin joining Tottenham. He will want to play in the Premier League with Sunderland, and I think Tottenham will be reluctant to pay big money on a player who they had a £6million buyback clause for up until last summer.”

The Spurs guru added: “I appreciate he’s only got one year left on his deal, but I can see Cirkin reaching some sort of agreement which will see him carry on at Sunderland. He’s a very good player, by the way. I just don’t see this one happening.”

Cirkin made 30 appearances across all competitions last term and is expected to compete for a starting spot in Régis Le Bris’ side during the 2024–25 campaign, following the summer arrival of Reinildo from Atlético Madrid. Sunderland remain hopeful the former England youth international will commit his future to the club after an injury-hit but ultimately encouraging 2023–24 season.

What other Sunderland-related transfer news is there?

Sunderland have been linked with a potential move for Abdoulaye Doucouré following the midfielder’s release from Everton.

The 32-year-old officially left Goodison Park at the end of June when his contract expired, with the Toffees confirming he would not be retained ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Reports have suggested that Doucouré is on a list of potential targets being considered by Sunderland as they look to add experience to Régis Le Bris’ Premier League squad following promotion.

The Black Cats are expected to make several midfield additions this summer after Jobe Bellingham’s big-money move to Borussia Dortmund. Doucouré, a free agent, is believed to be attracting interest from several clubs – including sides in the Saudi Pro League – though Sunderland are yet to firm up their position. Doucouré was a regular for Everton last season, making 36 appearances across all competitions and contributing four goals and two assists. He had hoped to sign a contract extension with the Merseyside club, but with David Moyes now overseeing a squad rebuild, the decision was taken to let him move on.

The former Watford man brings significant Premier League pedigree. Across spells with both Watford and Everton, Doucouré has made 278 top-flight appearances, scoring 31 goals and establishing himself as a powerful and dynamic midfield presence. Sunderland have already demonstrated their intent in the transfer market this summer. The club have agreed a £30million deal for Habib Diarra and added full-back Reinildo on a free transfer – two signings that signal a more ambitious approach following promotion.

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While the club’s model remains focused on young, high-upside talent, there is recognition that top-flight experience may be needed to balance the squad. Sunderland have shown in recent years that they are willing to make select signings outside their usual profile when the fit is right, as seen previously with players like Corry Evans and Danny Batth during their time in the Championship. Whether Doucouré becomes a serious option remains to be seen, but his availability, experience and Premier League record mean he is a name worth keeping an eye on in the weeks ahead.

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Spurs have been linked with a move for Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin

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Tottenham Hotspur would need to pay a sum of around £20 million to prise Dennis Cirkin away from Sunderland this summer, according to one of the club’s former scouts.

The 23-year-old signed for the Black Cats from Spurs back in 2021, and has since gone on to establish himself as a key figure on Wearside, helping his side to two promotions and registering 116 appearances in red and white across all competitions.

Indeed, it would appear that Cirkin’s performances in the North East have been enough to catch the eye of his former employers, with reports emerging in recent days suggesting that Spurs could look to table a bid for the left-back this summer.

According to Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold, Cirkin is being considered as a cost-effective option, and is a tempting target due to the fact that he has just one year left on his current contract. Gold wrote recently: “Spurs have looked at the past in bringing back 23-year-old left-back Dennis Cirkin, who has impressed at Sunderland. He made 39 appearances this season as the Black Cats returned to the Premier League through the play-offs, and he has 12 months remaining on his contract.”

What has been said about Sunderland’s valuation of Dennis Cirkin?

For their part, Spurs did have a buy-back clause written into their initial transfer agreement with Sunderland that would have allowed them to re-sign Cirkin for around £6 million. That option expire last June, however, and as a consequence, Bryan King - who used to work as a scout for the Europa League champions - believes that the club will now have to pay considerably more if they are to lure their academy graduate back to North London.

Speaking to Tottenham Hotspur News, he said: “Cirkin is still only 23 years old. Therefore, it would probably take a bid of about £20m for Sunderland to accept. I know they need to address this issue, but they’re linked with Kyle Walker-Peters as well.

“Tottenham don’t want to sign too many players in that position because they’ve already got quite a bit of coverage in the full-back areas. If Tottenham can bring through some Under-21 players to address that issue, that would be a much cheaper option than going out and buying a player like Cirkin. I wouldn’t think Sunderland would be too happy about it either.”

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What has Kristjaan Speakman said about Dennis Cirkin’s contract?

Sunderland are expected to reopen contract negotiations with both Cirkin and captain Dan Neil in the coming weeks, following a pause in talks during the club’s push for promotion.

“We do a contract review right across the group at the end of every season,” sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said recently. “I think we're in a strong position with the majority of the group this time around, especially with a lot of the players who have performed at a really high level.”

“There are a couple there whose contracts are reducing, and we need to have a conversation around that, and that will happen in the coming weeks. That's part of trying to build the squad for next season. We don't have anyone out of contract this summer and so that means there isn't an immediate issue for us. We have a little bit of time to reflect. As I always say, it's got to be the right opportunity for the players and for us.”