Reports in Italy and Spain link Kristjaan Speakman to pursuits of Guendouzi and García – together costing £44.1m

Sunderland’s recruitment department continue to be linked with ambitious moves ahead of the January transfer window, with fresh reports in Italy and Spain connecting the club to two high-profile midfield and attacking targets.

According to Il Messaggero, Sunderland and Aston Villa both made enquiries over Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi during the summer window, and the Serie A club may be forced to revisit their stance in the coming weeks. The 26-year-old, well known in England from his spell at Arsenal, has slipped down the France pecking order and is said to be growing frustrated in Rome. Lazio’s precarious financial position means they could listen to offers, with the Italian outlet claiming they may demand up to £26.5million for the former Lorient man.

Guendouzi has previously spoken glowingly about Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris following their shared time at Lorient. Back in May he said: “Honestly, his results at Sunderland don’t surprise me… A year with him is perhaps the equivalent of three with other coaches. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Meanwhile, Spanish publication Fichajes report that Sunderland are also among the clubs monitoring Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García, who is attracting attention across the Premier League after a breakout year in Spain. Madrid have allegedly received contact from Sunderland, Aston Villa and Wolves, with the trio said to be willing to offer around €20million (£17.6million).

The Black Cats were linked with García several times during the summer as part of their long-term forward planning. The 21-year-old enhanced his reputation at the FIFA Club World Cup by scoring four times, including goals against Al-Hilal, Red Bull Salzburg and a last-16 winner against Juventus, finishing the competition as top scorer. Madrid awarded him a new deal to 2030 and elevated him to their first team, but interest from England is described as “active”.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus recently hinted that the January window could be shaped by the club’s league position, but stressed that preparations have been ongoing since the summer. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “We didn’t really set ourselves a budget… most importantly, we got the players that we wanted.” He added that the club are preparing for “all scenarios” ahead of January.

With Guendouzi valued at £26.5million and García at £17.6million, the combined price tags linked to Sunderland this week total £44.1million – underlining the scale of the names being placed around the club as Le Bris’ side continue to impress in the Premier League. Sunderland are next in action after the International break against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League before playing Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light at the end of the month.

Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland 'linked' with outrageous Barcelona transfer move – but £438m reality makes it inconceivable