Sunderland news round-up: Aston Villa ace tipped to sign, medical underway
Sunderland have had a productive start to the summer transfer window.
It is clear that Regis Le Bris and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus are aware of the magnitude of the task in front of them if they want to keep Sunderland in the Premier League.
Sunderland have already added Habib Diarra to their ranks and show no signs of taking their foot off the gas.
Here, Mackem News rounds up the latest news emerging from the Stadium of Light.
Tony Pulis outlines Sunderland’s path to avoid relegation
Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has come out and said that Sunderland, along with the other newly promoted sides, don’t have to spend “hundreds of millions” if they want to stay in the top flight.
Pulis, who has been in many relegation battles over the years, acknowledged that Sunderland must sign players who are upgrades on what Le Bris already has at his disposal.
He also advised the Black Cats to look at signing players from the Championship who look ready to make the jump up to the Premier League, as well as other top-flight players who currently sit on the bench for other Premier League outfits.
Sunderland close in on Djordje Petrovic signing
Anthony Patterson does not look as though he will be Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper going into the Premier League, a decision that some Mackems may feel is harsh.
Marcin Bulka was originally a target for the North East club; however, the Polish shot-stopper opted for a move to the Saudi Pro League.
This has led to Sunderland turning their attention to Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic.
The Red and White Army would have to fork out £21.5million to secure their man, with a deal expected to be sealed in the coming days.
Louis Barry tipped to join Sunderland
Following the collapse of his move to Hull City from Aston Villa, Louie Barry has been tipped by Bryan King to make a move to Wearside.
King, who is a Villa insider, claimed that Sunderland may be eyeing a potential move for the 22-year-old.
After several loan spells, it is clear that Barry is not a part of Villa’s long-term plans, and the forward could prove to be a decent squad option for Le Bris next season.
After finding form on loan at Stockport in League One in the first half of last season. Barry was then recalled before being loaned out again to Hull in the Championship.
The forward was unable to keep up his incredible form, however, as injuries ruined his time in Yorkshire.
Chemsdine Talbi deal agreed
With Tommy Watson completing a move to join Brighton, it was clear that Sunderland had to bolster their forward line.
Chemsdine Talbi has been deemed to be a suitable replacement, with the Club Brugge winger joining Sunderland for a reported £19.8million.
Talbi is undergoing a medical before signing a five-year deal as he is set to be part of an exciting Sunderland side determined to upset the odds and stay in the Premier League.
Sunderland cannot be accused of showing a lack of ambition in the market and there is still plenty of time left for further additions.
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