Sunderland transfer targets Callum Styles looks one step closer to getting a move to the club after being left out of Barnsley’s side on Tuesday night.
Styles would play no part in Barnsley’s 1-0 win over fellow promotion-chasers Oxford United, with a move away from the Tykes now imminent.
The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from Oakwell in the last week, with Sunderland now appearing as the primary option. Although a move to the Championship would be a step-up for Styles, the midfielder already has plenty of experience in the second tier.
Sunderland are looking to add some new faces prior to the window shutting next week in order to reignite their promotion ambitions. With consecutive losses, the Black Cats now find themselves in 10th place in the Championship table.
However the play-offs are well within reach, with a gap of just three points to sixth-placed Coventry City. That being said, a blanket can be thrown over all the teams from sixth to 14th, who are separated by just six points.
The Black Cats know that they need to improve in order to make the play-offs this season, and bringing in Styles will aid that cause. With three goals and two assists this season in 20 League One matches alongside his hard work in the middle of the park, Styles has impressed this season.
With another season left on his contract, Barnsley will be wanting a good fee and update has emerged from Tykes manager Neill Collins via the Barnsley Chronicle that “the club are in negations with another club,” in regards to Styles’ future.
That said club is expected to be Michael Beale’s Sunderland and we may just see a move announced in the coming days,
Writer’s View
Having been omitted from the Barnsley squad on Tuesday night, it looks as if Styles is destined for a move this January. With 124 appearances in the Championship already to his name, the step back up to the second tier is one that the midfielder is expected to handle.
Barnsley will get a good fee for the Hungarian international however the loss will dent their promotion hopes. If a move goes through in the next couple of days then they may still have enough time to bring a new name into the midfield prior to the window shutting.
Senior Editor
