Sunderland transfer round-up: Newcastle United eye £41m ex-Black Cat as Everton lead midfielder race
Sunderland face competition for highly rated midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, while Newcastle United have been linked with former Black Cats star Jobe Bellingham
Sunderland continue to be linked with potential January reinforcements, with a highly rated Ivory Coast midfielder reportedly attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.
Meanwhile, former Black Cats midfielder Jobe Bellingham has emerged as a possible target for Newcastle United following his impressive start to the season with Borussia Dortmund.
Here is the latest transfer news and speculation involving Sunderland, including reported valuations and potential moves ahead of the January window.
Everton lead Sunderland in race for Abdoulaye Doumbia
Everton have reportedly moved ahead of Sunderland and Coventry City in the race to sign BK Häcken midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, with the 19-year-old attracting considerable attention following his performances in Sweden. According to Football Insider, David Moyes' side are leading the pursuit of the Ivory Coast youngster, although Celtic and several European clubs are also monitoring his development.
Doumbia has made 27 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring twice and providing three assists from a predominantly defensive midfield role. The teenager joined Häcken from ASEC Mimosas earlier this year and has quickly established himself as an important member of the Swedish club's squad.
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His estimated market value has been placed at approximately £4.4million, although that figure is not a confirmed asking price. Häcken have Doumbia under contract until 2030 and could demand considerably more should competition for his signature intensify.
Häcken sporting director Erik Friberg has acknowledged considerable interest in Doumbia but indicated that nothing particularly concrete had emerged. Sunderland's reported interest comes as Régis Le Bris considers his midfield options, with the Black Cats having already invested heavily in younger players with significant development potential.
Newcastle United linked with Jobe Bellingham
Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring former Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who continues to attract Premier League attention following his move to Borussia Dortmund in 2025. The 21-year-old has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season and featured in every Bundesliga match, establishing himself as an important member of Dortmund's squad.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are among the clubs likely to be assessing Bellingham ahead of the January transfer window.
"Looking at teams in the Premier League who need a midfielder, Newcastle are probably the standout options, and I'm sure they will be well aware of his situation," Brown said. "If he continues to impress for Dortmund and he comes into this England side, although I'm not sure how many minutes he will play, there is a real chance Newcastle could make a move."
Bellingham left Sunderland for Dortmund in June 2025 in a deal worth approximately £26million, having played an influential role in the Black Cats' promotion to the Premier League.
His current estimated transfer value stands at approximately £41million according to FootballTransfers, although Dortmund have not publicly named an asking price and there is no confirmation Newcastle are preparing a formal offer.
A move to St James' Park would certainly attract attention on Wearside given Bellingham's Sunderland connections, but the reported interest remains speculative.