6 goals & 4 assists this season: Sunderland eye move to sign AFCON attacker
Sunderland are pushing for a top-half finish at a minimum in the Premier League table. However, they are now targeting a January arrival who could put them in the picture for continental qualification.
Sunderland look to build on excellent Premier League form
Undoubtedly, Sunderland have been the surprise package of the campaign under Regis Le Bris and have proven that their form isn’t just a flash in the pan after being able to sustain some consistency during the Christmas period.
Sitting comfortably in the top half of the table, they are feasibly a few victories away from mathematically securing safety and have exceeded expectations, albeit with the help of some fantastic summer recruitment.
Now, the question will be centred around how far Sunderland can push expectations. Clearly, the Stadium of Light is an appealing destination for players, so it is almost a certainty that fresh faces will come in to add further squad depth.
It remains to be seen where fresh reinforcements are added, though Roma’s Artem Dovbyk is reportedly a target for the Black Cats, illustrating that their forward line may be subject to change between now and the end of the window.
Brentford, Everton, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Burnley represent some welcome upcoming fixtures for Sunderland in the next few weeks, potentially offering the ideal breeding ground for prospective new arrivals to get their first taste of action in the North East.
In what has become a really exciting period at the Stadium of Light, there is a feeling that they may be set to achieve something special this campaign, which a player currently starring at the African Cup of Nations may be about to experience.
Sunderland eyeing move for Paris FC winger Ilan Kebbal
According to Football Insider, Sunderland are in the mix to sign Paris FC winger Ilan Kebbal, who is also wanted by Fulham and Crystal Palace during the mid-season window.
Currently at the African Cup of Nations with Algeria, the 27-year-old has registered six goals and four assists in 16 appearances across all competitions this campaign, earning plaudits in the country of his birth.
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Predominantly a right winger, Kebbal has created 40 chances in Ligue 1 this term and is capable of going in either direction, regularly beating his marker as proven by his tally of 18 successful dribbles.
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Of course, his presence in Morocco for now wouldn’t help Sunderland in the immediate term as Algeria fight it out for tournament glory, but he may be someone who is worth investing in after a series of superb performances in France.
Sunderland could also sell Paddy Roberts to Birmingham permanently, according to the outlet, offering a small cash boost that could help to see a deal for Kebbal over the line.