Sunderland are interested in Dutch midfielder Thom Haye, according to a report in Holland. The Black Cats are said to be one of a number of clubs tracking the Heerenveen star, with French side Toulouse also linked with the former Holland U21 international.
Journalist Sander de Vries tweeted in April that Sunderland had shown interest in Haye, and he has repeated the link in an article in the Leeuwarder Courant centred on Heerenveen's loan pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Charliie Webster. Haye came through the youth system at AZ Alkmaar, Den Haag, and NAC Breda, as well as in Italy with Lecce.
He joined Heerenveen from NAC Breda in January 2022 and hhas 12 months left on his contract. At 28, he is older than many of Sunderland's recent transfer targets but the Black Cats have made it clear that a number of more experienced heads are necessary to provide balance.
READ MORE: Sunderland target a 'future international' as Nectar Triantis hailed by Mariners coach
Haye is a defensive midfielder and that is one area where Sunderland are looking for cover with Corry Evans their only specialist in that role, and Evans has been sidelined since suffering cruciate ligament damage in January and may not be ready to return until Christmas. Haye played 34 times in all competitions for Heerenveen last season, scoring two goals and contributing three assists.
The transfer window does not open until mid-June, but Sunderland are understood to be closing in on the signing of 17-year-old Birmingham City midfielder Jobe Bellingham - younger brother of England and Borussia Dortmund star Jude - while they have also been linked with a £250,000 move for 20-year-old Australia U20 international defender Nectarios Triantis, who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners, and Portugal U20 striker Luis Semedo, who plays for Benfica B.
READ NEXT
- Sunderland closing in on Australia youngster Nectarios Triantis according to report
- Amad Diallo loan proves Manchester United 'right' amid hopes he can make the grade
- Tony Mowbray explains the positives Sunderland can take from their patched-up side
- Sunderland 'very close' to striker signing, according to report in Portugal
- Tony Mowbray's Sunderland announce pre-season dress rehearsal date at Hartlepool United
