Sunderland’s late deals hinge on Aouchiche as 7pm deadline looms | OneFootball

Sunderland’s deadline day is set to go to the wire, with two exits confirmed and more moves being worked on before the 7pm cut-off. Leo Hjelde has joined Sheffield United on loan for the rest of the season and Patrick Roberts has sealed a permanent switch to Birmingham City.

According to Sunderland Echo, Schalke’s surprise move for Adil Aouchiche is central to a late chain. He would be recalled from his Aberdeen loan and sold permanently, freeing one of Sunderland’s six international loan slots.

That, in turn, would allow Sunderland to loan Simon Adingra to Monaco for a seven-figure fee, with an option to buy at around £15 million in the summer. After a tricky first half on Wearside, the move is seen as protecting his value.

It would also clear the way to move for Anderlecht winger Nilson Angulo, a 22-year-old Ecuador international. Sunderland view him as a left-sided threat with strong one-v-one play, goals, and standout defensive numbers. He is considered a long-term signing who could impact quickly.

If concluded, those three deals could be the last of the window. The club are also exploring solutions for Abdoullah Ba and Ian Poveda, though as it stands both are set to stay unless a permanent or domestic loan emerges, with Poveda drawing EFL interest today.

An U21s injury is likely to prevent Harrison Jones securing an EFL loan. Clubs do not have to announce before 7pm, deal sheets lodged with the Premier League grant an extra two hours for completion and announcements can follow later in the evening.

Source: Sunderland Echo