Sunderland chiefs eyeing move to sign “exceptional” in-demand £10m teenager

Sunderland are desperate to restore their former glories by earning promotion to the Premier League, which could offer a platform for Regis Le Bris to make savvy additions during the transfer window.

Despite a storming start to the campaign, Sunderland have become one of the Championship’s more erratic sides. They now sit eight points behind Sheffield United in the hunt for automatic promotion.

Pulling back that margin inside 11 matches isn’t impossible, but Regis Le Bris will be mentally prepared for the agony and ecstasy the playoffs have to offer should they fail to catch the Blades.

The Black Cats lost out in the same format to Luton Town at the semi-final stage in 2022/23. Old wounds can provide unwanted flashbacks, but they can also serve as motivation to right the wrongs of the past.

Le Bris also knows that promotion will likely have a telling impact on their transfer activity. Sunderland are aware that Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg are attracting heavy interest and may be difficult to retain this summer. However, speculation regarding potential incomings at the Stadium of Light is also escalating.

Reports suggest Hansa Rostock’s Ahmet Gurleyen is on the Black Cats’ radar and could be available for just £414,000. No matter the division they ply their trade in next campaign, there is always scope for financially advantageous deals to occur in the North East.

On that token, Sunderland are eyeing a midfielder who has emerged as one of the most promising stars to come out of his nation in recent years.

Sunderland plot swoop for Motherwell sensation Lennon Miller

According to Graeme Bailey via EFL Analysis, Sunderland are among a clutch of clubs in the running to sign Motherwell’s Lennon Miller this summer as the midfielder continues to star at Fir Park.

Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Leeds United and top flight sides such as Liverpool and rivals Newcastle United are also mooted to have shown interest in the Scotland Under-21 international.

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This comes after talks in the last few weeks.

Branded as “an exceptional talent” by Motherwell chief executive Brian Caldwell, Miller has registered four goals and six assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term.

Only 18 years of age, the prodigious star has already worn the captain’s armband at his club. He is viewed as one of the hottest properties in Scottish football and the Steelmen estimate that he could be worth just under £10 million, even with his contract rolling into its final year.

Demonstrating versatility in the engine room, Miller has won 128 duels and 71.8% of his tackles on Scottish Premiership duty. Offensively, the Wishaw-born man has created 42 chances, so it is easy to see why his list of admirers is growing.

Sunderland are set to be in a decent position to land his services if they gain promotion this term. Nevertheless, whether he will opt for the Stadium of Light remains to be seen.