The Black Cats under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey have prioritised young talented players that haven’t cost much in terms of transfer fees. That strategy has produced good results with Jack Clarke, Dennis Cirkin, Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Pierre Ekwah, Patrick Roberts and Jobe Bellingham now worth much more than they were when they first joined the club.
But Sunderland’s transfer strategy has left Michael Beale’s squad lacking in experience and goals with the four forwards brought to the club last summer failing – for the most part – to hit the ground running.
With that in mind, Sunderland have been linked with a mixture of youth and experience already this window and here, we take you through the deals Speakman has been linked with concluding so far:
21. Bogdan Mykhaylichenko
Sunderland have been credited with interest in Ukrainian left-back Bogdan Mykhaylichenko who has fallen out of favour at Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb. Mykhaylichenko only joined Zagreb in the summer transfer window but hasn't been named in the club's matchday squad for their last nine league games. Reports have claimed the 26-year-old is set to have his contract terminated, which would make the defender available for a free transfer. Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
22. Luke Thomas
Sunderland's head coach needs another striker and that has seen Sunderland's name mentioned alongside Notts County forward Macaulay Langstaff, who is also been linked with Birmingham City and Derby County. The prolific goalscorer moved to Notts County from North East club Gateshead and starred for Notts County as they won promotion from the National League last season, scoring 42 goals in 47 games. The 26-year-old has already notched 20 further goals this campaign. Reports state that Peterborough United are keen to land the 26-year-old to help their promotion push from League One. Birmingham City, Sunderland and Derby County are also listed as clubs who have shown an interest, as have Wrexham and Hearts. Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS
23. Yann M'Vila
Sunderland have made 'contact' with the agent of former loan midfielder Yan M'Vila, according to reports. However, reports from Foot Mertaco have stated that Sunderland are still 'dreaming' of Yann M'Vila re-joining the club and that he remains one of their 'top' targets for this window. The outlet also states that there has been 'contact' made between the club and his agent. However, post-Hull City Michael Beale responded briefly to reports that the club are targeting a move for M'Vila, suggesting that no move was advanced despite recent reports.“Yann M’Vila? It’s nothing that I’ve discussed in-house," he said Photo: Clive Brunskill