Sunderland have been linked with a £25m Celtic midfielder as several transfer updates emerged

Sunderland have had a busy few days of transfer-related updates, with several first-team, loan and academy-linked players attracting interest or moving towards decisions over their futures.

Sunderland are credited with interest in the Celtic midfielder Arne Engels. Nottingham Forest and Fulham are also said to be keen on the 22-year-old, who has four caps for Belgium and remains under contract at Celtic until 2028.

Forest reportedly had a number of bids rejected for Engels during the January window, with their final offer said to be worth £25million. They are believed to remain interested, particularly given Manchester City’s ongoing pursuit of Elliot Anderson and the possible need for new midfielders at the City Ground. Fulham are also said to be in the mix, despite being without a head coach following Marco Silva’s departure

One of the biggest lines of the week concerns Eliezer Mayenda, with Foot Mercato reporting that Stade Rennais are making a strong push to sign the Sunderland striker. The French outlet claims Rennes have identified Mayenda as a new attacking target as they look to strengthen this summer.

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The Echo understands Mayenda wants to leave Sunderland this summer in search of more regular football. The forward remains under contract until 2030, which leaves Sunderland in a strong negotiating position, but Rennes’ interest could provide a potential route back to French football.

One player set to return to Wearside is Simon Adingra, after reports in France suggested Ligue 1 club Monaco have opted against triggering the permanent option in the loan deal agreed with Sunderland during the January transfer window. The former Brighton and Hove Albion winger joined the Black Cats last summer but scored just one goal and provided one assist in 15 appearances during the first half of the season before joining Monaco midway through the campaign.

There have also been fresh goalkeeping claims. Matty Young has been linked with a loan move to Huddersfield Town, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting that the League One club are plotting a move for the highly-rated Sunderland academy goalkeeper. Young has already built valuable senior experience during loan spells with Darlington and Salford City, and another move would be designed to continue that development.

Nixon has also reported interest in Anthony Patterson, with Wrexham and Millwall linked with the Sunderland goalkeeper. Patterson is said to be valued in the £8million to £10million range if he were to leave permanently. Any move would leave Ghisolfi with a significant decision, given Patterson’s experience and the need to balance squad depth, market interest and the goalkeeper pathway.

Elsewhere, former Sunderland academy attacker Sam Greenwood is the subject of interest from Blackburn Rovers. Ben Jacobs has reported that Tony Mowbray’s side have seen an offer rejected by Pogon Szczecin, with the initial bid worth £650,000 and add-ons taking the package to £1million.

Harrison Jones has completed his move to Peterborough United, bringing an end to his long association with Sunderland. The Echo understands Jones has moved on a free transfer, but with a sell-on clause attached.

There is also an update on Alan Browne. According to The Northern Echo, the midfielder will not be returning to Middlesbrough next season after spending the campaign on loan at Boro. He has now returned to the Stadium of Light, though it is still expected he will leave Wearside this summer.

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