Kristjaan Speakman linked with potential double Sunderland transfer deal as fresh targets emerge – reports
Sunderland have been linked with attacking and defensive targets as January transfer talk intensifies
Sunderland have been linked with a possible double transfer move as fresh reports connect the Black Cats with attacking and defensive targets across Europe during the latter stages of the January window.
One of those links centres on Paris FC winger Ilan Kebbal, with reports suggesting Ipswich Town are preparing a sizeable bid for the Sunderland-linked forward. The 27-year-old had been placed on Sunderland’s radar earlier this month, with claims that Régis Le Bris’ side were among several Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on his situation.
Kebbal has spent recent weeks away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, but his club form this season has continued to draw attention. The winger has recorded seven goals and five assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, underlining his influence in the final third.
According to reports, Ipswich are now considering an ambitious £10million move as they look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the Championship campaign. The Tractor Boys are said to believe Kebbal could add creativity and end product as they push for promotion back to the Premier League.
Sunderland, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham United have all been credited with an interest in Kebbal, but Ipswich are described as the most proactive club at this stage. Their interest comes against the backdrop of an already busy window, which has included the loan signing of Dan Neil from Sunderland.
Neil has left Wearside after an 18-year association with his boyhood club and will not return following the expiry of his contract this summer. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna explained the thinking behind that move. “We’re happy to add Dan to the group. He’s a versatile midfielder who can play in a couple of different roles. He of course has a lot of experience in the Championship, including winning a promotion last season, so he’s a player with good experience, good pedigree and good character who I’m sure will be a strong addition for us for the rest of the season.”
Neil, meanwhile, described the move as the right step at this stage of his career. “I’ve been at Sunderland for a very long time, and it was an unbelievable chapter in my life and career, but I’m ready for the next chapter now. After a lot of thought, it was clear Ipswich would be the perfect fit for that. The way the manager wants to play football and the way I like to play is the same, basically, and it’s a great fit for me to keep developing as a player while hopefully also achieving some success here.”
Neil added after the move to Ipswich Town: “I’m a central midfielder who likes to get on the ball and tries to dictate games as much as I can. But I’ve also learnt over the years that the out-of-possession stuff is just as important, especially in this division. I’m vocal in terms of organising the team and those are probably my main qualities. I can’t wait to get started.”
While Ipswich pursue Kebbal, Sunderland have also been linked with defensive reinforcements following Arthur Masuaku’s departure earlier this window. Reports suggest the Black Cats are among the clubs tracking Lecce left-back Antonino Gallo, alongside Celtic. The 26-year-old has been a consistent performer in Serie A and has built an impressive body of work since joining Lecce from Virtus Francavilla in 2020. Gallo has made 175 first-team appearances, contributing one goal and 10 assists, and is viewed as a reliable option on the left side of defence.
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Sunderland’s interest is said to be linked to Masuaku’s exit, although Le Bris still has established options at left-back, including Reinildo Mandava and Dennis Cirkin. Trai Hume has also featured on the left at times, while Lutsharel Geertruida and Luke O’Nien provide further versatility. Celtic’s interest, meanwhile, is understood to be driven by the need for cover following Marcelo Saracchi’s injury issues, with the Scottish champions also monitoring the situation closely.
For Sunderland, the twin links to Kebbal and Gallo underline a window that remains fluid. While no deals are close to completion, the Black Cats continue to be associated with players who would address different areas of the squad, should circumstances allow. With time still remaining and the picture shifting daily, Sunderland’s transfer strategy appears to be balancing opportunism with caution – even as interest from elsewhere threatens to complicate the market further.