Sunderland 'agree' statement transfer in Championship title race as Leeds United watch on
Leeds United's promotion rivals Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Enzo Le Fee from Roma, it has been claimed.
The 24-year-old is set for a reunion with Regis Le Bris on Wearside. The pair worked together at Lorient during the 2022/23 campaign - a season in which the France international midfielder stood out.
Le Fee (41) created the third-most open play chances and secondary chances in Ligue 1 that season - only Lionel Messi (49) and Neymar (49) had more. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Sunderland are set to sign Le Fee on a loan deal with a buy clause included.
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The midfielder's former coach Le Bris is thought to have been 'crucial' to make the transfer happen. Since joining Roma in 2023, Le Fee has struggled for regular game time, having started just six games - making ten appearances in total. He was an unused substitute in the 2-0 derby win over Lazio on Sunday and last featured against Sampdoria last month.
A move for the midfielder is a major statement of intent having signed for the Italian side for a fee in the region of £20million last summer, with the Black Cats closing in on their first January signing. Le Fee started his youth career at Lorient in 2008, aged eight, and progressed through the youth system at the French club before making his first-team debut in May 2019.
He became an important member of the senior set-up in the following season, making 29 appearances, and that continued for the next three years. Whether Le Fee is announced by the Black Cats before the weekend, remains to be seen.
The Black Cats, currently fourth in the Championship, are two points behind Sheffield United and Burnley and three adrift of leaders Leeds. Their attention will turn to the FA Cup this weekend, hosting Stoke City at the Stadium of Light.
Leeds meanwhile, will welcome League Two side Harrogate Town to Elland Road on Saturday.
