Sunderland now in contact to hijack Crystal Palace’s £15m Guehi replacement

Sunderland have made contact to sign a £15m centre-back who Crystal Palace want to replace Marc Guehi.

Sunderland’s signings so far this summer as Le Bris eyes more

It has been an extremely busy summer transfer window for the Black Cats, who have so far signed 12 players for Regis Le Bris.

Many of the new arrivals started and impressed in the opening day win against West Ham at the Stadium of Light, however, Sunderland lost 2-0 to fellow promoted side Burnley last time out.

Talking before the defeat at Turf Moor, Le Bris admitted that Sunderland still want to make new additions before the September 1 deadline.

When asked on potential signings out wide, Le Bris added: “There’s a lot of speculation which is positive for everyone. Same answer. If it’s possible to reinforce the squad with the right profile we’ll move forward, but it’s not just our question. It’s a question of the player and the club, so we’ll see.”

A new centre-back is also wanted, especially as Dan Ballard went off injured against Burnley. Jhon Lucumi of Bologna has been heavily linked with a move to Sunderland, however, another defensive target with Premier League experience is wanted by the Black Cats.

According to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have made an enquiry to sign Juventus centre-back Lloyd Kelly. Formerly of Newcastle, Kelly’s loan move to Turin became permanent over the summer for £15m, but a return to the Premier League is possible.

As well as the Black Cats making contact over a transfer, Crystal Palace have followed suit as they view Kelly as a replacement for Guehi, who is being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

Juventus have even identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Beraldo as a replacement for Kelly, so a last-minute move back to England could be on the cards.

Kelly, previously of Bristol City and Bournemouth before his move to Newcastle and subsequent transfer to Juventus, has played 64 times in the Premier League and was once called “incredible” by former manager Gary O’Neil.

Therefore, if Sunderland miss out on Lucumi and Crystal Palace keep hold of Guehi, Kelly, similar to O’Nien, could be an ideal option for Le Bris, making this one to watch.