Sunderland linked with stunning £35.5m double transfer deal as Fabrizio Romano provides striker update

Sunderland’s January transfer window continues to gather pace, with developments across both incoming and outgoing fronts as the Black Cats weigh up options ahead of the second half of the Premier League season.

Belgian outfit Standard Liège have this week been linked with a potential loan move for Sunderland defender Arthur Masuaku. Reports emerging from Belgium, relayed by Sacha Tavolieri, claim that Sunderland are demanding Standard cover the entirety of Masuaku’s salary should a deal be agreed until the end of the season – a stance said to be complicating negotiations.

Masuaku is currently sidelined with a short-term injury, though head coach Régis Le Bris has already played down concerns that the issue could impact any potential move. Speaking recently, Le Bris said: “No, probably not. It’s a short-term injury, so it’s possible to imagine a future here or elsewhere,” leaving the door open to either a temporary exit or a return to contention on Wearside.

Elsewhere, Sunderland have been credited with interest in Fenerbahçe striker Youssef En-Nesyri, though any deal would appear challenging. According to AS Marca, Real Madrid have submitted an offer of €20million – approximately £17million – for the 28-year-old, who scored 30 goals last season. The Turkish club are said to be holding out for €30million, which equates to around £25.5million. Napoli, Benfica, Juventus, Everton and Sunderland have all been named as interested parties, but the financial demands involved could put the deal beyond reach.

Sunderland’s hopes of landing another high-profile forward appear to be fading, with Tammy Abraham edging closer to a move elsewhere. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Abraham has opened talks with Aston Villa, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. Writing on X, Romano stated that Villa are working on a new striker following Donyell Malen’s departure to AS Roma, and while no deal has been finalised, Sunderland now appear to be outsiders in the race.

Meanwhile, Sunderland could also miss out on another striker target, with Crystal Palace reportedly closing in on a deal for Angers SCO forward Sidiki Cherif. The Black Cats have previously been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old, but according to Fabrice Hawkins, Palace have reached an agreement worth around €26million – approximately £22million – to secure his signature. Cherif, who has scored four goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season, has also attracted attention from AC Milan and Stuttgart, but it is Oliver Glasner’s side who now look set to win the race, dealing Sunderland another potential blow in the striker market.

Sunderland have also been named among a host of Premier League clubs alerted to the potential availability of Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the January window. According to TEAMtalk, clubs including Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Brentford, Everton, Sunderland AFC and former club Fulham have all been made aware of the midfielder’s situation. The former Chelsea man is valued at around £10million.

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Loftus-Cheek, who currently plays for AC Milan, has struggled for consistent minutes in Italy this season, with injuries and competition for places limiting his involvement. The 28-year-old spent time on loan at Fulham earlier in his career and remains a player with extensive Premier League experience.

At this stage, there has been no indication of the structure or valuation of any potential deal, nor confirmation that Sunderland have made a formal approach. However, the midfielder’s name being circulated among multiple top-flight clubs suggests any move would be highly competitive should Milan decide to sanction an exit.

With time still left in the window, Sunderland remain active across multiple positions, but competition – and escalating fees – continue to underline the challenges facing the Black Cats as they look to strengthen their squad.

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