Sunderland, Newcastle, Leeds Compete for £30M England Defender Joe Gomez

Sunderland is actively pursuing several defensive reinforcements this summer, with targets including Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers, Millwall’s Japhet Tanganga, and Lyon’s Duje Caleta-Car. Newcastle United is reportedly moving to sign Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, a player Sunderland had previously scouted, which may complicate Sunderland's pursuit of him. Joe Gomez, valued at around £30 million, is attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs including Sunderland, Leeds United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, and Burnley, as Liverpool looks to reshape its squad. Sunderland is also linked to signing former Manchester City and Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, whose playing time at Chelsea has diminished, potentially making him open to joining a newly promoted club. Additionally, Sunderland and Leicester City are both interested in Leeds United’s Sam Greenwood, a versatile England Under-21 international seeking regular playing time. Beyond defense, Sunderland is targeting promising young midfield talent like Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra and maintaining interest in other defensive options, reflecting a blend of experience and youth as they prepare for the Premier League season.