Roma striker Artem Dovbyk is offered to Sunderland as Dan Neil and Luke O’Nien attract loan interest

Sunderland have been offered the chance to sign Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, according to reports from Italy, while Championship rivals are circling over Dan Neil and Luke O’Nien.

Italian journalist Nicolò Schira reports that Dovbyk is no longer part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans at AS Roma, with the Serie A club actively working on a sale. Schira claims the striker has been offered to Everton, Sunderland and West Ham United in recent days. There is no indication at this stage that Sunderland have made a move, but the report adds another name to the growing list of forwards linked with a January switch as clubs begin to shape their mid-season plans. The striker is rated at around £30million.

Closer to home, transfer insider Alan Nixon reports that Dan Neil is attracting loan interest from Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion. Neil has found himself out of the regular starting XI in recent weeks, although AFCON absences are expected to open the door for increased minutes in the short term.

However, Nixon suggests that Neil could slip back down the pecking order once international call-ups return, prompting interest from promotion-chasing sides keen to add experience and depth in midfield. Neil’s recent success at Championship level is said to be a key factor behind the attention, with Sunderland potentially reluctant to sanction a move unless the player pushes for it in order to maintain match sharpness.

Nixon also adds that Luke O’Nien is another Sunderland player who could draw interest in the loan market. The versatile defender’s leadership and influence both on and off the pitch are expected to make him an appealing option for clubs looking to strengthen during the second half of the season. With January approaching, Sunderland look set for a busy period of decision-making as they balance squad depth, AFCON disruption and outside interest in key figures.

What did Régis Le Bris say after the game against Brighton?

Le Bris felt Sunderland’s point away at Brighton was a deserved one after his side stood firm during a sustained spell of late pressure from the hosts. Sunderland enjoyed long periods of control despite travelling south without several players due to Africa Cup of Nations call-ups.

Brighton, however, were also missing key figures through injury, suspension and illness, and it was the home side who finished the stronger as the game wore on. While Sunderland were unable to capitalise on their chances earlier in the contest, Le Bris took encouragement from the way his players defended their penalty area to preserve a clean sheet.

“A draw was probably a fair result,” Le Bris said. “The atmosphere in the dressing room was a bit disappointed [that we didn't win], which was a good sign for the future. We had two parts to the game. Until 65 or 70 minutes, we were dominant, especially for a team playing away from home.

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“We showed good qualities, great character. We were controlling the ball, and we had opportunities to score during this period. But when you don’t score away when you have those opportunities, you can expect that the opponent will push until the end.

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“They did well during the last 20 or 25 minutes. We stayed consistent with our deep block and kept this clean sheet. They crossed a lot, as expected, so we were prepared for that. We have players who are really determined to defend the box and the goal, and they did that. They defended well.”

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