Ian Holloway moves for Sunderland’s Ben Middlemas as Swindon close on permanent deal | OneFootball

Swindon Town are closing in on a permanent deal for Sunderland midfielder Ben Middlemas this month.

Sunderland Echo understands that talks have advanced on a transfer fee and personal terms, with an agreement nearing completion.

The 21-year-old signed his first professional contract in 2023 but has yet to make a senior appearance for the Black Cats.

A box-to-box midfielder who came through on Wearside, his senior experience is limited to a short 2024-25 loan with South Shields.

Since returning, he has been a key figure for Graeme Murty’s Under-21s, making 28 appearances across the campaign and often captaining the side, including five outings during his non-league spell.

Middlemas was 16 when he was first named on the first-team bench for an EFL Trophy tie against Manchester United, then included again for the Emirates FA Cup Third Round trip to Shrewsbury Town in January 2023.

Swindon sit in the automatic promotion places in League Two just beyond the halfway stage and are pushing for a return to League One under Ian Holloway.

Middlemas is expected to become their first permanent signing of the January window, following loan arrivals for Aidan Borland and Michael Olakigbe.

Despite limited senior minutes, he has two goals and seven assists in 21 Under-21 appearances this season, matching his nine goal involvements from 2024-25.

Source: Sunderland Echo