Sunderland AFC eyeing move for 3-goal midfielder | OneFootball

Sunderland have been linked with the signing of a South Africa international this January

Sunderland are interested in signing Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha this January.

According to South African outlet SNL24, the 24-year-old has caught the attention of the Championship side.

The South Africa international has been a regular presence for the Pirates this season, featuring in all 10 of their league games so far.

He has contributed three goals, with the team sitting second in the table, leading to speculation over his future.

Sunderland are reportedly keeping tabs on Mbatha, with the club eyeing potential additions to the first team squad this January.

The Black Cats are in the mix for automatic promotion to the Premier League, with Régis Le Bris’ side just two points adrift of second place Sheffield United.

Mbatha has yet to make the switch to European football, so may need time to adjust to his new surroundings, should he move this month.

It remains to be seen whether this move would be to immediately bring him into Le Bris’ first team options, or if he will be bedded in over a longer period of time, perhaps going out on loan again, or spending some time with the U21 side first.

It has been claimed that any move for Mbatha will cost up to 20 million South African Rand (£860,000).

However, the player’s agent has rebuffed any suggestion that this reflects his actual price tag.

Sunderland league position

Sunderland are currently fourth in the Championship table following Sunday’s 1-0 win over Portsmouth.

The victory opened the gap to fifth place Middlesbrough to nine points after 26 games, further entrenching the Black Cats in the battle for automatic promotion.

Le Bris’ side are three points behind leaders Leeds United after Wilson Isidor’s seventh minute strike at the Stadium of Light sealed a second consecutive win.

Next up for Sunderland is an FA Cup clash against Stoke City at home on 11 January.

Mbatha would be a surprising signing for Sunderland

Given Sunderland are in a promotion battle, any incomings this January should be about immediately improving the team’s options.

It’s unclear whether Mbatha could provide that given his lack of experience at this level.

He is a relatively unknown quantity, and could take some time to adjust to the new surroundings of English football.