Sunderland set for multiple transfer battles as Aston Villa and Leeds linked with Black Cats targets - reports

A round-up of the latest Sunderland-related transfer news and speculation.

If Sunderland are to build on what has largely been a superb return to life in the Premier League, then the expectation is that the club will likely look to bolster their ranks again when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

To that end, there are already several names being touted as prospective targets on Wearside, but competition for new acquisitions could prove to be steep over the coming months, as evidenced by a fresh glut of speculation doing the rounds today.

Take, for instance, the situation surrounding Harry Wilson. The Fulham winger is out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer, and as a consequence, could be available on a free agreement in a matter of weeks. Unsurprisingly, given his stellar form of late, the Wales international is said to be in demand, with Sunderland one of several clubs credited with an interest, alongside the likes of Leeds United, Everton, and Crystal Palace.

But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the latest side to join the chasing pack for Wilson’s signature is Aston Villa. Writing in an update on X, the renowned reporter stated: “Aston Villa are among clubs keen on signing Harry Wilson as free agent in the summer, race open. Initial talks took place with decision to follow in the next months.”

Elsewhere, Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi faces a similarly uncertain future heading into the final stretch of the campaign. The Argentine is also nearing the end of his current deal, and, like Wilson, is being touted for a free transfer.

Once again, Sunderland are among those who are said to be casting an eye over him, but the list of potential suitors is both long and illustrious. In the Premier League alone, the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa, and Chelsea have all been linked, while further afield, Barcelona - who are reportedly Senesi’s preferred destination at the time of writing - are understood to be keen as well.

As per online outlet TEAMtalk, however, Newcastle United are the latest club to express an interest in signing the centre-back, with the Magpies seemingly confident that they can lure him to Tyneside in the near future - even in spite of his apparent Catalan aspirations.

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And finally, AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez finds himself at the centre of yet more speculation, with Football Insider suggesting that both Sunderland and Leeds United are “likely to reignite their pursuits” for the player this summer.

The Mexican international was repeatedly mentioned as a target for the two newly promoted clubs in the run-up to the January transfer window, but any prospect of him leaving his Italian employers was quashed by an untimely injury blow. In recent days, however, updates from the continent have claimed that he could still be a candidate for an exit at the end of the season, and if that is the case, then both the Black Cats and their Premier League rivals are expected to rekindle their respective interest.

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