Black Cats last night still hopeful of deals for Matete...and Defoe?
Sunderland were last night set for a frantic end to the transfer window as Kristjaan Speakman bid to strengthen the Black Cats squad after Lee Johnson's departure.
As the Echo went to print, sporting director Speakman was in talks over a potential deal for Fleetwood Town midfielder Jay Matete, the 20-year-old making a major impression in League One this season.
With Luke O'Nien injured until March, central midfield had been one of the areas the recruitment team (and Johnson) had identified as a priority to bolster before the deadline.
Talks were ongoing between all parties but sources in the South East had indicated that Ipswich Town had all but accepted defeat in their pursuit of Matete, and were expecting the youngster to seal a long-term move to Wearside.
Recruiting a further centre-forward was another key priority as Sunderland look to lessen the load on Ross Stewart while Nathan Broadhead recovers from a hamstring injury.
That new recruit was looking increasingly likely to be Jermain Defoe.
Talks had progressed rapidly in the aftermath of Johnson's departure, and sources close to both parties indicated through the course of deadline day that confidence was increasing that an agreement would be
reached.
An announcement was not expected on Monday, given that Defoe is a free agent and can therefore sign at any time.
Sunderland were also looking to recruit another centre-back if possible, which would leave open the prospect of Arbenit Xhemajli leaving the club on loan in pursuit of more regular game time.
Fulham's Terence Kongolo was understood to be a key target in the closing stages of the window, with the 27-year-old struggling for game time at Craven Cottage and open to the idea of a fresh start.
Aiden O'Brien was in Portsmouth to complete his move away from Wearside, with the Black Cats allowing the 28-year-old to move on from his contract six months before its expiry.
Striker O'Brien was set to sign a deal at Fratton Park until the end of the season, and join Denver Hume in making the switch to the south coast.