Sunderland AFC transfer news: Jordan Henderson update, Jobe Bellingham twist & Romaine Mundle interest | OneFootball

FLW rounds up the latest Black Cats transfer news as they prepare to return to the Premier League...

Sunderland are set to return to the Premier League for the 2024-25 season after eight years away, and Regis Le Bris doesn't have long until the transfer window officially opens.

The Black Cats' French head coach masterminded the promotion success, that culminated in beating Sheffield United at Wembley, but there's no real time for anyone to rest on their laurels, as the transfer market begins early this year on June 1.

Let's take a look at the latest goings on on Wearside as time ticks closer to the ability to complete deals.

Jordan Henderson will sign for Sunderland, says ex-director

The main talking point in terms of incoming transfers for Sunderland recently has been the potential return of boyhood Mackem Jordan Henderson, who was at Wembley to see the club promoted back to the top flight.

The former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winner has been playing regularly for Ajax this season and is their captain, but as he approaches the age of 35, which he will be before the start of next season, could he go back to where it all started as his career winds down?

Former Sunderland director Chris Woerts - who was at the club when Henderson first was on the books as a professional in 2009 - believes so, telling Vandaag Inside: "Henderson is leaving Ajax.

"I am sure he will return to his old love: promoted Sunderland."

If it is to happen, Henderson can provide plenty of experience to a young core that the Black Cats currently possess, but there's likely to be hurdles to overcome if they want to make it a reality.

Jobe Bellingham turns down Eintracht Frankfurt move

Could Henderson be replacing Jobe Bellingham in the middle of the park for Sunderland?

It's no secret that a number of clubs have been after Bellingham for months, and despite Kyril Louis-Dreyfus wanting to keep hold of the 19-year-old for their Premier League comeback, he has been in talks with German clubs this week, including visiting Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, according to German publication Sport1 (via FussballTransfers), Bellingham has turned down the chance join the club that finished third in the Bundesliga, leaving the door open for Borussia Dortmund to try and strike a deal with Sunderland.

Sunderland join Kwame Poku transfer race

Sunderland will likely strengthen their attacking unit in all areas this summer, and they are said to be looking towards one of League One's stars to add some competition for the likes of Patrick Roberts and Chris Rigg out wide on the right.

As per GiveMeSport, Sunderland are one of the clubs who are keen on Peterborough United attacker Kwame Poku, who scored 12 times and notched eight assists from just 27 third tier matches last season for Posh.

However, Barry Fry - Peterborough's director of football - claims that no fewer than 26 clubs are keen on the Ghanaian, including Birmingham City, Celtic, Rangers and Sheffield United, so it's going to be a long transfer battle for the 23-year-old.

Black Cats keen on Monaco defender Wilfried Singo

Given owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' French background, expect some Ligue 1 players to be linked with moves to the Stadium of Light this summer - and there already has been one in the form of AS Monaco centre-back Wilfried Singo.

As per the print edition of the Daily Mirror (May 28, pg56 - as per MackemNews), Sunderland are interested in the Ivorian international, who played 27 times in the French top tier last season.

Monaco are said to be looking for around £20 million for the 24-year-old, which would be a significant outlay for Sunderland, albeit one they can now afford - bitter rivals Newcastle United have been sending scouts too to watch the defender in action.

One player who is attracting interest from other clubs is Romaine Mundle, after somewhat of a breakout season in the Championship for Sunderland.

The 22-year-old scored five times from the wing, and because of his showings, Sunderland are planning contract talks with the ex-Tottenham man, as per Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

There is a fresh threat though for the Black Cats, as Dutch champions PSV, as well as French outfit OGC Nice, are both interested in signing the winger, who still has three years remaining on his current contract.

Sunderland's Nazariy Rusyn set to return after Hajduk Split decision

A returnee to Sunderland this summer will be out of favour Ukrainian striker Nazariy Rusyn, who was shipped off to Hajduk Split of Croatia in January for the rest of the season.

He failed to impress though, not finding the back of the net at all from his 16 league outings, and as per reports in Croatia, Gennaro Gattuso's side will not be exercising their €2 million purchase option.