Sunderland are set to seal the signing of 20-year-old Romaine Mundle from Belgian top-flight outfit Standard Liege according to reports.
The midfielder joined Les Rouches last summer, after rejecting a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur, where he made numerous appearances in their Premier League 2 side. Mundle joined Standard on a four-year contract upon his arrival in Europe.
Since arriving in Wallonia, the midfielder made six appearances all from the bench for the senior side in the Pro League, and a further four for the academy side in the second division.
Mundle has been on the radar of a number of Championship clubs across the January transfer window, with Wales Online reporting that Swansea City were interested at the start of the month.
In the last week, TEAMtalk reporter Fraser Fletcher Gillan broke that Stoke City were also pursuing the 20-year-old, but had not yet reached the official stages.
Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that The Black Cats have agreed a deal with the Belgian club for a permanent deal for Mundle, but not revealing any transfer fee. Transfermarkt values the player at €600,000 (£510,000).
The London-born player was prolific in the Spurs academy, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances in his last Premier League 2 season, as well as recording three EFL Trophy appearances.
Michael Beale’s side are set to lose Alex Pritchard this window, with the 30-year-old set to move to Birmingham City on a two-and-a-half-year deal according to The Northern Echo.
Former Blackburn Rovers man Corry Evans has also been ruled out for over a year now with a cruciate ligament injury, leaving the Wearside club short in their midfield numbers. The Northern Irish international is expected to return in the coming months.
Writer’s View
Romaine Mundle is a fairly unknown quantity when it comes to professional football. He has only recorded a total of 144 minutes of time with the Standard Liege senior squad throughout his first season in Belgium. Tottenham were keen on the 20-year-old, trying to pin him down to a new deal last summer. From the limited time he has had on the field, he has shown glimpses of quality, especially in the Liege B team.
Sunderland have a great track record when it comes to developing young talent. Amad Diallo was a revelation to the club during his loan from Manchester United, and whilst not getting the minutes since returning to Old Trafford, many second-tier clubs, including The Black Cats, are eager to bring him into their squads. Jobe Bellingham is probably the most similar in terms of profile to Mundle, and with his talent shining through since arriving in the Northeast, maybe Mundle can follow his new midfield partner in showcasing his ability on the Stadium of Light pitch.
