Sunderland AFC close in on signing 24-year-old but face late hurdle | OneFootball

Sunderland have reportedly overtaken Real Betis for the signature of Roma's Enzo Le Fee.

Sunderland are said to be edging closer to the signing of AS Roma's Enzo Le Fee.

That is according to the latest update from Italian journalist, Gianluca Di Marzio, via a post on X, who claims that the Black Cats have overtaken Spanish side, Real Betis, for the signature of Le Fee ahead of a potential loan move this January.

The interest from Sunderland was first reported days ago by The Nothern Echo, who stated that the club were simply waiting for Roma to decide what they wish to do with Le Fee in the January transfer window.

Sunderland boss, Regis Le Bris, is very familiar with the French midfielder, as he played under Le Bris at Lorient after progressing through their academy.

Le Bris recently stated that they will be looking to strengthen their midfield options in this January transfer window, and perhaps Le Fee is the perfect solution.

It may not be plain sailing to get his signature on paper though, as it has also been revealed by Calciomercato that French side, Lille, have also targeted the 24-year-old.

This could prove to be somewhat of a roadblock for Sunderland, as he may see that as a more exciting move, given it would see him return to his home country.

Enzo Le Fee could be a huge signing for Sunderland this winter

As previously mentioned, Le Fee progressed through the academy of Lorient in his home nation, after joining the club at the age of eight. He then went on to make his first team debut at the age of 19, before helping the club win the Ligue 2 title.

Over the next three seasons, he was a vital player for Lorient under current Sunderland boss, Regis Le Bris, and even contributed to a number of goals and assists. His form in the 2022/23 campaign earned him a move elsewhere in France, as he joined Rennes.

While at Rennes, he made his debut in European football, as he made six Europa League appearances and assisted three goals. Le Fee spent just one campain at Rennes, as Serie A giants, Roma approached him last summer and signed him up to a five-year contract.

Since joining Roma, he has acted as a squad player, having made just four Serie A starts, and two in the Europa League, so it would be no real surprise to see him leave on loan this January.

Le Fee would be a real coup for Sunderland, as he would arrive with top flight experience in France and Italy, and he appears to be exactly the type of player that they need.

There is a natural concern at Sunderland that some of their biggest young stars could be on their way out in the very near future, such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, who are both central midfielders.

Signing Le Fee on loan until the end of the season would alleviate some of the pressure, and if he performs well and the club sell either Bellingham or Rigg, they could use those funds to sign Le Fee permanently.

Sunderland have gone well above expectations so far this season and are currently battling it out at the top end of the Championship table. They sit comfortably inside the play-offs on an astounding 50 points after 26 games, and are just two points behind the automatic promotion places.

When Regis Le Bris arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer, he was a fairly unknown name in English football, but just six months down the line he has become a hugely popular figure in Sunderland and has given the club a glimmer of hope once again, after a tough few years.

Their squad is incredibly young but full of talent, so this January window must be all about fending off any interest and keeping hold of their biggest stars in order to give themselves the best chance of promotion to the promised land of the Premier League.