‘Sunderland ahead of the game’ in bid to sign player after speaking to Regis Le Bris
Sunderland are plotting a move to sign Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi as they look to strengthen ahead of the January transfer window.
That is according to former Sunderland and Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his former clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 26-year-old would be open to a reunion with his former boss.
This comes after Regis Le Bris revealed he is in regular contact with the former Arsenal man and has been an admirer of his since their time together at Lorient.
The Black Cats are not the only Premier League side keeping tabs on him, however, as Aston Villa have been long-term admirers of Guendouzi after making a move in 2024.
However, the midfielder’s relationship with Le Bris has made Sunderland front-runners for his signature and they could step up their interest when the window opens.
Regis Le Bris eyes reunion with Matteo Guendouzi
Brown told Football Insider in July that Sunderland were interested in signing Guendouzi as they continue to eye improvements to Le Bris’ starting XI.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the midfielder is high on the Black Cats’ list of January transfer targets.
“Sunderland are having a look at Matteo Guendouzi,” he told Football Insider.
“The manager knows him well and that’s always a boost, we always used to say if you’ve worked with a player before, you can’t make a mistake bringing him in.
“It puts them ahead of the game, and of any other clubs looking at him, because there’s already that relationship there to ease that transition for him.
“Sunderland will consider the options they’ve already got in midfield and how he compares against them, and where he might fit in and improve them.
“As I said, the manager knows what he can do and what he’ll bring to the team.
“In that case, he may well feel he would be an improvement on their current options, and if the scouts agree then it’s a move they could certainly do.
“I’m sure it’s something the player will be interested in as well, returning to the Premier League after his time at Arsenal and working with somebody he knows well.”
Sunderland make decision about Granit Xhaka exit
Sunderland’s ambitions of landing a new midfielder in the January transfer window come amid reports linking Granit Xhaka with a move away from the Stadium of Light.
Xhaka has been praised for his Sunderland displays this season, and has quickly become a fan-favourite at the Stadium of Light, leading to concerns about his future.
Interest is growing from Juventus as well as multiple other European clubs who have been wowed by his performances since returning to the Premier League.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 24 November that Sunderland will not entertain offers for Xhaka and have no plans to let him leave in January.
The 33-year-old made the £17.3million switch from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window and has established himself among Regis Le Bris’ most important players.
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