Everton have been linked with a double swoop for two Sunderland players in recent days as the winter transfer window draws to a close.
The Premier League club are now being linked with a move for teenager Tommy Watson. Reports have suggested that Brighton have seen an £8million offer turned down, with Sunderland hoping to get £10million for the homegrown talent.
Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have also been linked with a deal for the 18-year-old youth international, who has 18 months on his current deal at Sunderland. Everton, who are managed by former Black Cats boss David Moyes, were also thought to be keen on a deal for Sunderland captain Dan Neil. However, that transfer exit is thought to be very unlikely at this stage.
Moyes is reportedly keen on a £12million deal after keeping tabs on the 23-year-old since seeing him in the academy while he was Black Cats boss. Though with Sunderland competing at the top end of the Championship and Neil captaining the club, Neil’s exit this window feels a long shot.
Last week, Moyes was asked about potential recruits and confirmed the club would be looking at Championship talent to boost their squad, though the Toffees boss stopped short of mentioning Neil by name. Trai Hume has also been linked with a move to Fulham but reports suggest Sunderland will only accept a fee of around £20million for the right-back.
With that in mind and for a little bit of fun, we take a look at how Le Bris’ starting XI and subs bench if the recent transfer rumours turn out to be true:

17. Potential substitute: Leo Hjelde
The defender is popular with Le Bris and provides cover at both centre-back and left-back | Getty Images Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images

18. Potential substitute: Jenson Seelt
Seelt required surgery on a knee injury he sustained against Southampton at the end of March, when it was thought he'd be sidelined for six to nine months. The defender is now back for Sunderland's under-21s. Photo: Frank Reid

19. Potential substitute: Salis Abdul Samed
The midfielder is now fit and will be pushing hard to start games during the second half of the season. | Getty Images

20. Potential substitute: Alan Browne
The midfielder is currently injured but is expected back before the end of the season. | Frank Reid


