TRANSFER ROUNDUP

The window hasn't exactly got off to a blistering start here on Wearside, but there are some names doing the rounds in the rumour mill. Hopefully we'll soon see some players through the door to add to Enzo Le Fee's early arrival.

HONEYMAN ON THE MOVE

Before we get into the exciting transfer whispers, there's a bit of housekeeping to do. George Honeyman has found himself a new club and as a boyhood Lads fan and former captain, it's worth mentioning. He's gone to Blackpool on a free transfer following the expiration of his Millwall contract where he'll be managed by none other than... Steve Bruce. George is 30 now and has played for two of Bruce's former clubs: Sunderland and Hull City.

SASSUOLO WINGER

Armand Lauriente has emerged as a serious target for Sunderland this week. The 26-year-old was one of Serie B's star players last season, following Sassuolo's relegation from the top flight, with 18 goals and six assists. He was also a regular for the Neroverdi back when they were playing in Serie A, meaning he has plenty of top-division experience in both France and Italy. Predominantly a left winger, the Frenchman can play all across the front line with pace and flair. Most promising of all, although his first taste of senior football came at Rennes, he established himself at Lorient when Regis Le Bris was Head of Youth Development before becoming manager in 2022, the year Lauriente left for Italy. No doubt this transfer is one which RLB is heavily involved in, just like Wilson Isidor and Enzo Le Fee.

LEFT BACK TARGETED

Another high-profile name doing the rounds recently is AS Roma left back Angelino, who played 51 games for his club last season but is expected to depart this summer - despite still being under contract. The 28-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, whilst Saudi club Al Hilal were at one point clise to agreeing a deal with Angelino. The attack-minded fullback is familiar to Sunderland's incoming Director Of Football, Florent Ghisolfi, who left Roma last week. However, it is said that the Italian giants will not let go of the player for a sum lower than 20 million euros. Perhaps we'll be relying on "Agent Enzo" to put in a good word with the Spaniard. With Dennis Cirkin being linked with a return to Tottenham, fullback depth is certainly an area the Black Cats will aim to bolster this summer.

BISCHOFF UPDATE

Finally, it appears that Sunderland are leading the race to sign Clement Bischoff from Danish side Brondby, although their Sporting Director Benjamin Schmedes has insisted the club are not looking to sell their starlet and are currently in the middle of contract negotiations. The teenager is valued at around £5.1 million and has just 12 months left on his current deal. Schmedes, speaking about both Bischoff and fellow U21 European Championship standout Noah Nartey, said: “We know how talented they are, and I don't think they're finished with their personal development. Both can take more steps here in Brondby, and I still hope they feel that. Clement has one year left on his contract, and that puts us in a situation where we've had strong discussions for a long time. But nothing is official yet, so there's no agreement. We're in dialogue, and we'll see where it ends. Noah has two years left, so it's a different case.”