Sunderland are now in the race to sign an exciting Premier League youngster during the January transfer window, in what is a fresh link for the Black Cats.
The January transfer window opens in just a few days now, and for Sunderland, it’ll surely prove to be a vital refuelling point as they eye promotion from the Championship.
Last time out, Sunderland drew 2-2 with Blackburn Rovers in a game between two top six contenders. But the Black Cats arguably should’ve won, letting slip a 2-1 lead late on.
Regis Le Bris now finds his side in 4th place of the Championship table and four points behind leaders Leeds United.
Sunderland fans think a new striker is needed in January, though Le Bris has often played down the chances of Sunderland signing many players during the winter window.
Instead, it looks like the Black Cats might have their hands full with managing who leaves the Stadium of Light.
But a new name has now been linked with a potential move to Wearside.
Sunderland eyeing Chelsea gem Harvey Vale, says Ben Jacobs
Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale looks poised to seal a loan move away from Stamford Bridge in January, and Sunderland are one of the teams keeping tabs on the 21-year-old.
The attacking midfielder is yet to make his Premier League debut for the Blues. But Vale has spent time on loan with both Hull City and Bristol City in the past two seasons.
With Bristol Rovers last season, Vale scored twice and assisted five times in 39 League One games, with then manager Joey Barton labelling him a ‘phenomenal’ player.
Vale has scored three and assisted twice in five Premier League 2 games for Chelsea’s U21s this season, and journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed some top flight interest in the England U20s star.
Belgian Jupiler side Anderlecht and Dutch Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen, along with Sunderland, are all keen on signing Vale in the New Year:
Jacobs posted on X: “Understand Harvey Vale is attracting interest from Anderlecht, Heerenveen and Sunderland.”
Do Sunderland want a loan or permanent deal for Harvey Vale at Chelsea?
Jacobs’ tweet doesn’t make it clear whether it’d be a loan move or a permanent one that Sunderland would pursue.
On the surface, it’d make sense that it’d be a loan deal, given Sunderland’s tighter finances and the fact that Vale remains a prospect at Chelsea.
But journalist Simon Phillips recently claimed on Substack that Chelsea could look to offload Vale permanently in the New Year, unless he signs a new contract: his current deal expires in the summer of 2025.
So that could make him potentially affordable for Sunderland. And if the Black Cats cash in on one of their star players, a deal for Vale could become very doable.
