Sunderland have been linked with a QPR player who’s set to become a free agent in the summer.
Sunderland are heading towards another crucial transfer window.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman simply has to address the lack of a striker, and the overall lack of firepower in the first-team.
Failing to do so would really set the next Sunderland manager up to struggle next time round.
But as we near the end of the season, it looks as though the Black Cats are starting to draw up some summer transfer plans.
Sunderland transfer rumours ahead of the summer
One position that Sunderland look set to bolster in the summer is the goalkeeper.
Current no.1 Anthony Patterson appears to be attracting growing interest ahead of the summer, with Celtic and Leeds United now among the teams being linked with the Sunderland academy man.
The Black Cats are rumoured to be interested in Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle.
And more recently, Sunderland have been linked with Josh Murphy.
Twin brother of Newcastle United man Jacob, Josh Murphy is currently plying his trade with Oxford United in League One, and is set to become a free agent in the summer.
Sunderland eyeing QPR attacker Chris Willock
And another name has now been added to Sunderland’s summer wishlist; QPR attacker Chris Willock.
The 26-year-old, whose brother Joe also plays for Newcastle United, came trough the ranks at Arsenal.
He left for Benfica in 2017 and returned to England with QPR in 2020, having since made 142 total appearances for the R’s with 20 goals and 21 assists to his name; so 41 goal contributions.
Injuries have hampered Willock somewhat.
But this season he’s managed to rack up 37 appearances in the second tier, scoring four goals and assisting three more.
The 2021/22 season was his best in terms of goals, with seven and 11 assists landing him the club’s Player of the Season award that year.
Kristjaan Speakman could pull off transfer masterclass with Chris Willock swoop
Willock on a free transfer would be a huge coup for any Championship club.
And for Sunderland who need to add firepower and quality in the final third this summer, Willock certainly fits the bill.
Then with Jack Clarke likely leaving, Willock’s potential arrival would soften the blow.
Speakman though still needs to bring in an out and out no.9.
There’s also the issue of injuries and consistency where Willock is concerned, with muscle injuries being a pretty common theme of his seasons with QPR.
And four goals this season, albeit in a struggling QPR side, isn’t that impressive.
But if he can join a Sunderland side with better quality and an attacking manager in place this summer, then it could really help him take his game to the next level.
All in all this seems like a quality potential signing for Sunderland.