Sunderland are stepping up their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign

Sunderland have made an approach to Spanish defender Óscar Mingueza, according to reports.

La Liga side Celta Vigo confirmed in a statement on Tuesday morning that Mingueza would be one of many players leaving the club as a free agent this summer, and Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Atalanta, Como and Sunderland have made an early move.

The 27-year-old came through the ranks at Barcelona and has four caps for Spain, having been a fixture in the Celta Vigo side since making the move there in the summer of 2022. He will have significant interest this summer due to his experience and his versatility. Though primarily a right back, he is comfortable at left back and can also play at centre back.

Sunderland need to reinforce their defence due to the departure of Dennis Cirkin and with Lutsharel Geertruida's future at this stage not resolved. Though they remain in talks to potential bring him back to the club on a permanent basis, Sunderland did not trigger their option to buy Lutsharel Geertruida and with interest from other clubs inevitable, it is far from certain that he will return to Wearside next season.

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Mingueza made 34 appearances in La Liga last season, plus 11 in the Europa League. He has previously been linked with a move to Aston Villa and Newcastle United this summer, with Sky Sports reporting last month that his preference this summer was for a move to the Premier League.

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