Sunderland have been linked with a potential incoming and a possible outgoing in the centre of the park.

Sunderland have reportedly submitted an enquiry for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, but could face competition for his signature from Nottingham Forest and Napoli.

Earlier this week, an update from Sky Sports suggested that the Black Cats were one of several sides monitoring the Belgian’s situation in Glasgow, with Forest once again namechecked as prospective suitors, alongside Premier League rivals Fulham.

Now, however, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have provided their perspective on the ongoing speculation surrounding Engels, and have added Napoli’s name into the mix of potential destinations for the 22-year-old.

According to the continental publication, the Serie A giants are in danger of losing Cameroonian international André-Frank Zambo Anguissa over the coming weeks, and have consequently identified Engels as a possible replacement. TMW go on to note that Napoli face fierce competition for his signature though, citing Sunderland and Forest’s admiration of the player.

Indeed, the report even goes as far as to claim that the Black Cats and their top flight peers have already “submitted enquiries” about his availability, and while TMW stop short of outlining an exact price tag, they do state that any bid in excess of £21.6 million could be enough to convince Celtic into a sale.

Middlesbrough eye permanent Alan Browne deal

Elsewhere, another midfield talent could be on his way out of the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis, with Middlesbrough reportedly weighing up a move for Sunderland loanee Alan Browne.

The Irishman spent last season on Teesside, registering 42 appearances across all competitions as Boro fell at the final hurdle in their bid for promotion - losing the Championship play-off final to Hull City.

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Head coach Kim Hellberg’s aim will be to go one step further next term, and according to The Northern Echo, he and his recruitment team are considering bringing Browne back to the Riverside in an effort to bolster their ranks.

Boro are expected to sign at least two midfielders this summer in order to reinforce a relatively threadbare area of their squad, and it is understood that Browne remains on their radar after proving a dependable presence during his temporary stint at the club.

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