Sunderland launch talks to sign Premier League defender, he wants exit

Sunderland are another side who have waited until the late stages of the transfer window to make their moves.

It seems to be a time-management issue which is spreading around the Premier League like a deadly virus. For the Black Cats, however, there’s still hope that they could strengthen.

Regis Le Bris could do with all the depth that he can get at the Stadium of Light. His side are set for a European tour, which will even include a trip to San Siro to face AC Milan. European heritage doesn’t get much realer than that.

Before then, however, their focus is on incomings. Names like Jack Grealish have threatened to steal the headlines in recent days and the Premier League market certainly seems to be where it’s at for the Wearside club.

REUTERS/Matthew Childs

Alongside Grealish, Sunderland are also targeting Kevin Danso. The centre-back has fallen down the pecking order at Tottenham Hotspur following the arrival of three new stars in his position and could be on the move as a result.

Centre-back depth should be among Sunderland’s priorities before the window slams shut. They were left short on numbers last season when the likes of Dan Ballard dropped out through injury. They got away with it in their Premier League return, but may not be so fortunate when second-season syndrome threatens to hit.

Sunderland launch talks to sign Kevin Danso

REUTERS/David Klein

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have launched direct talks to sign Danso from Tottenham in a last-minute move. The Black Cats called the north London club in an attempt to get a deal done, but they see the defender as an ‘important’ part of Roberto De Zerbi’s team.

Danso, himself, however, could play a key role. The Austrian is reportedly ready to green light a move away from Spurs after falling down the pecking order. This means that Sunderland’s late attempts should be music to his ears.

Whilst many will be quick to point out the defender’s part in an abysmal Tottenham campaign last time out, this is a player who would arrive with plenty of experience and tick the box of Premier League calibre. What’s more, he would not be the first to thrive away from Spurs.

The numbers actually show that Danso could provide some stability next to Ballard, especially if Sunderland are to make any progress on the European stage. For now, though, he just remains one to watch.