“A difficult one” - Pundit reacts as Sunderland AFC plot Wolves raid with Jobe Bellingham condition | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has had his say after Sunderland were linked with a move for Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Carlton Palmer believes Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle should consider a move to Sunderland if the opportunity arises, as he urges the midfielder to seek regular football.

The 23-year-old joined Wanderers from Man City last season on an initial loan, which turned into a permanent switch in the summer of 2024.

Whilst he has made over 50 appearances in Old Gold in that period, Doyle has found game time harder to come by under new boss Vitor Pereira at Molineux.

Tommy Doyle attracting Sunderland transfer interest ahead of summer window

The former England youth international fell out of favour after struggling in a defeat to Nottingham Forest last month when he was given a rare start.

Plus, with Marshall Munetsi reinforcing Wolves’ options in the middle of the park, it’s hard to see how Doyle fits in given Andre and Joao Gomes, two Brazilian internationals, are also ahead of him in the pecking order, along with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.

Therefore, clubs may see this as an opportunity to sign Doyle, with Sheffield United linked with the player last month.

More recently, it has been claimed that Sunderland are keen on Doyle, who is seen as a good fit to replace Jobe Bellingham, with recent reports suggesting the Wearside outfit could cash in on the midfielder this summer amid interest from clubs in England and Europe.

Carlton Palmer reacts to Sunderland’s interest in Tommy Doyle

So, this could be something to monitor in the next window, and ex-England international Palmer explained how he feels it could benefit Doyle, who he believes needs to be starting week in, week out.

“It’s a difficult one. Doyle wants to play in the Premier League and I think to guarantee his signature, they would need to win promotion.

“The problem for Doyle is that he has gone to Wolves, and he hasn’t played (regularly). You need to get on and be playing football.

“It’s no good saying you’ve played three or four games and the season has gone again, you have to get on and play.

"You can’t just sit there and say, ‘I’m at a Premier League club’, if you’re not getting game time. Sometimes you have to go to a club where you’re going to play regularly to enhance your career.

“But, unless Sunderland win promotion, he may not be interested, but if they do go up, they may not have to sell Bellingham, as he might be happy to stay another year in the top-flight.

“It will come back to how much money they get offered for Bellingham, as at some point it becomes too big an offer that you have to accept.”