Sunderland set to hold talks to sign £30m star Liverpool are willing to sell

Sunderland are planning to hold discussions regarding a summer deal for a “sensational” Premier League star, with Liverpool now open to a sale.

Le Bris “aligned” with recruitment team ahead of summer window

It was a remarkable first season back in the Premier League for Regis Le Bris‘ side, qualifying for the Europa League in dramatic fashion on the final day, and the manager has confirmed he is on the same page as the recruitment team ahead of an important summer transfer window.

“It’s a bit early to anticipate what will happen in the summer but it’s clear we are well aligned,” said Le Bris.

“We didn’t want to anticipate the result of the season. Now it’s done. We have a good structure for the recruitment process and we’ll work hard, as usual, and I hope the new lads and this team already will be well connected for the new season.”

With the Black Cats set to embark on a Europa League campaign for the first time in their history, it may be important to bring in players with European experience, and former Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogia is among the targets.

Kondogbia, now of Marseille, has 49 appearances to his name across the Champions League and Europa League, which could make him a savvy signing, but Le Bris’ side are also interested in signing more of an attack-minded midfielder, namely Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott.

Update on Sunderland’s pursuit of Harvey Elliott

There has now been a further development in Sunderland’s pursuit of Elliott, with a report from Sports Boom revealing they are one of several Premier League clubs planning to open formal talks regarding a deal for the attacking midfielder.

Liverpool are willing to cash-in on the Englishman this summer, having sent him out on loan to Aston Villa during the 2025-26 campaign, and a potential asking price of €30m – €35m (£26m – £30m) is touted.

The 23-year-old is eager to move to a club where regular game time is guaranteed, having appeared for just 284 minutes across 11 appearances in all competitions for Villa.

That is despite receiving major plaudits from England U21 boss Lee Carsley just under a year ago, who said: “We’ve had to manage his minutes in terms of the amount he has played and the intensity he plays at. He’s so explosive with the way that he moves and with his end product. We are very lucky to have him.”

The former Fulham man scored 14 goals in 28 appearances for England U21s, while he has also registered five goals and 13 assists in 99 Premier League matches.

Having effectively had a year of his career wasted at Villa, a move to the Stadium of Light could be ideal for Elliott, and it could be an attractive proposition, with Sunderland booking their place in the Europa League.