Sunderland “want” to sign a club’s captain in the summer, with the target open to the idea of playing in England.
Sunderland looking at playoff spot as club plan for summer
The Black Cats have had a successful first campaign under Regis Le Bris, who, at the very least, are likely to finish in the Championship playoff places.
There has been a four-way battle with Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley for the top two spots, however, Sunderland have tailed away slightly in recent weeks and find themselves eight points behind the Blades in second with nine games remaining.
Next on the agenda for Le Bris’ side is a trip to the West Midlands to take on fellow playoff contenders Coventry City, who have been impressing lately under Frank Lampard.
Coventry City vs Sunderland
March 15
Sunderland vs Millwall
March 29
West Brom vs Sunderland
April 5
Norwich City vs Sunderland
April 8
Sunderland vs Swansea City
April 12
Should Sunderland fail to win promotion come the end of May, they could be set for a busy summer in regards to outgoings, as Crystal Palace already have their eyes on both Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, whereas forward Eliezer Mayenda is the subject of “interest” from several Premier League clubs.
There are also likely to be a number of incomings regardless of what division they find themselves in, and reporter Graeme Bailey has made a new claim on Sunderland wanting Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.
Reporter shares update on Sunderland striker target
Bailey shared an update on Shankland to Sunderland AFC News and said that while Sunderland and Ipswich Town “want him” and the forward is open to playing in England, he hinted that it may change if the Black Cats earn promotion.
“He is a free transfer… Ipswich clearly see him as some sort of Liam Delap replacement, but Sunderland do like him to – would they want him if they get promoted? Perhaps not but impossible to say.
“But it is not just Sunderland or Ipswich that want him, a number of clubs are talking to him and are going to give him some options. Shankland I am told has a desire to play in England, so let’s see if he gets his wish.”
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The 29-year-old, who is the current Hearts captain, is out of contract at the end of May, so Sunderland are actually able to strike a pre-contract agreement now ahead of bringing him to the Stadium of Light for the 2025/26 season.
However, it appears as if Sunderland are waiting to see where they will be playing next season before committing to any deal, so it will be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, with all their focus being on winning promotion.