Sunderland have been linked with an ambitious swoop for Barcelona star Fermin Lopez

Former Sunderland star Kieron Brady has suggested that it is encouraging to see the club linked with a big money move for Barcelona talent Fermin Lopez, even if a transfer doesn’t come to fruition.

Reports in Spain over the weekend stated that the Black Cats are eyeing a stunning £69.3 million swoop for the winger. That fee that would obliterate their current transfer record, which stands at around £30 million following Habib Diarra’s arrival on Wearside during the summer window.

But despite the outlandish finances involved, continental outlet Fichajes maintain that Sunderland hold an interest in Lopez, with claims that the Black Cats believe the 22-year-old boasts “the leadership, energy, and competitive spirit necessary to become the team's key player”.

What has Kieron Brady said about Sunderland’s reported interest in Barcelona talent Fermin Lopez?

And in an appearance on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport, Brady suggested that even if there proves to be little substance to the speculation, it is at least a promising sign to see his former club linked with such a high-calibre talent.

He said: "If someone is playing even semi-regularly for Barcelona then are they willing to leave that and come to the Premier League and Sunderland? If he signs for £70 million then it would be justified in thinking he will want a wage that eclipses one any other Sunderland player is on at present.

"But even if he doesn't end up coming, there should be a lot of encouragement for Sunderland fans that it is the way the club is progressing. If they are thinking of players of that calibre and standing, then you would like to think it is reflected in the other avenues they are pursuing in terms of signings. Whether it comes into fruition, who knows? But it is a big name for this moment."

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What is the latest on Sunderland’s January transfer plans?

Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris suggested that his side are still some way off wrapping up any kind of incoming transfer this month. He said: “There is nothing at the minute.

“The period is a really interesting one. It’s tough, and even with a number of absentees, the level of the squad remains really consistent, which is really positive. That shows the depth of the squad and the versatility of three or four of our players, which is really useful for game management. If we can improve and reinforce the squad, we will try to do that. But what we have learned will also be important for the next transfer window.

“We are in a good place, which is really positive. We might have been in a different position, in a rushed process where we had to reinforce the squad in this position or that one. That is not the case though. It is a good position, a comfortable one, but we still want to be ambitious. We will not have a massive window, that is really clear, but if it is possible to do something, we will. It is always unpredictable though because of lots of elements can influence the situation. There is the availability of the players, then there is also our way of assessing what we need. It evolves through this period, but we are in a good place.”

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