Sunderland transfer news as long-serving star attracts interest
Luke O’Nien of Sunderland
Iconic Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien is being tipped to leave the club next month with clubs alerted to a possible loan deal.
Championship trio Birmingham, West Brom and Coventry are said to be monitoring the long-serving star’s situation.
With the January transfer window now in full swing, plenty of players have already seen their immediate futures discussed ahead of a crucial second half of the season.
O’Nien, a utility man capable of playing anywhere across the back line, is a veteran who has enjoyed excellent stints in both the Championship and League One.
The 31-year-old has become part of the furniture at the Stadium of Light since initially joining the North East outfit in the summer of 2018 under the management of Jack Ross.
He eventually became a key influence both on and off the pitch as the Wearside club enjoyed a rebirth of sorts, which culminated in a dramatic 2-1 success over Sheffield United in last season’s play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
Ironically, O’Nien dislocated his shoulder in the opening minutes of that match and has appeared just for a few minutes this season in the Premier League. He was a late substitute against Liverpool at Anfield and again away to Manchester City, only to be sent off for a late tackle.
However, it has now emerged that former Wycombe Wanderers man could leave the club on an initial loan basis in the coming weeks, a development which should have a whole host of Championship sides on red alert.
Sunderland may wish to sit tight until the majority of their AFCON players return to Wearside before allowing any players to leave the club.
O’Nien isn’t the only long-serving Sunderland star linked with a move away this month. Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and former captain Dan Neil could also be heading for the exit door.
Sunderland brought in 15 players in the summer at a spend of around £150million as they revamped their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
It could be a busy transfer window again for the club as they look to strengthen their attack. The Black Cats are believed to be keen to bring at least one striker to the club in January.