Sunderland now have bargaining chip for ambitious Evan Ferguson deal as Brighton eye second Black Cats star

England , United Kingdom - 17 November 2024; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland with Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson as he is substituted off during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium in London, England. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

One Sunderland star is currently racking up interest from Premier League Side Brighton, which could work in the Black Cats’ favour.

With the January transfer window looming, Sunderland will be eyeing up players to add to their fairly small squad.

Regis Le Bris has suggested that he wouldn’t be against a couple of attacking arrivals after Christmas, especially with the sheer lack of depth in the wide areas, with the current injuries putting Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson out of action.

Departures are also expected at the Stadium of Light, from the players unable to stake a claim in the side, such as Jewison Bennette, to the heavy-hitters that are racking up interest from Premier League and European sides.

Tommy Watson is one who has sparked interest from Premier League clubs, including Brighton. However, Watson isn’t the only player being targeted by the Seagulls, with a Sunderland defender reportedly weighing up interest from them, something that Kristjaan Speakman could use to his advantage.

Sunderland pursuit for Evan Ferguson could be bolstered by Brighton interest in Dan Ballard

The Black Cats are keeping tabs on Brighton forward Evan Ferguson ahead of the January transfer window, with it looking likely that the Irish forward will be handed a Championship loan for the rest of the season.

Whilst Sunderland have plenty of competition for the 20-year-old’s signature, they could have an ace up their sleeve amid Brighton’s recent reported interest in centre-back Dan Ballard, per TBR, and the defender could be used in a deal with Ferguson.

As well as Brighton, there are four other Premier League sides reportedly interested in Sunderland’s centre-back.

Sunderland don’t need to be concerned with potential Dan Ballard exit

Sunderland fans might be concerned about the Premier League sides circling for their top talents, with Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham also attracting interest, however, a potential Ballard move could be a blessing in disguise.

Whilst Ballard has been a top servant for the club since he arrived, it could help with a potential Ferguson deal, and his departure wouldn’t leave a sizable hole in defence due to the availability of Chris Mepham.

Mepham is more than capable of being Sunderland’s go-to centre-back option, and would be able to replicate Ballard’s brilliance in defence, although a back-up centre-back would need to be signed over concerns about depth in the area.

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