Sunderland eventually had a quite positive January transfer window, bringing in all of Romaine Mundle, Leo Hjelde, and Callum Styles on permanent deals.
Michael Beale could’ve done with a new striker too, but on the whole it was a positive window.
And one player linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, or rather a return, was Yann M’Vila.
The 33-year-old one-time Sunderland loan man is still a free agent after being released by Olympiacos last summer, and reports last month claimed that the Black Cats wanted him.
Beale played down the rumours. But now it looks like M’Vila is set to join West Brom.
Yann M’Vila in advanced talks with West Brom
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has now revealed on X that M’Vila is in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Sunderland’s Championship rivals West Brom.
He adds that an agreement is ‘expected soon’ and that 22-time French international M’Vila is keen on making the move to The Hawthorns.
West Brom currently sit in 5th place of the Championship table compared to Sunderland in 8th, with just four points separating the two.
Boost for the Baggies, potential blow for Sunderland
As well as a striker, Sunderland could’ve done with a holding midfielder in January.
Styles may well be able to play that role, but he looks set to be deployed as a wing-back or a more advanced central mdfielder.
