SUNDERLAND have rekindled their interest in Callum Styles – and are increasingly confident of being able to sign the Barnsley midfielder ahead of this evening’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The Black Cats held talks over Styles earlier this month, but shelved their interest temporarily after being unable to agree a deal for the Hungary international.

They have returned to the table today though, and now look on track to strengthen their midfield options with Styles’ signature.

READ MORE:

The 23-year-old joined Barnsley from Bury in the summer of 2018 and has made 145 senior appearances for the South Yorkshire club.

A versatile midfielder, who predominantly plays from the left-hand side, Styles can also play at the heart of midfield or even at left-back if required.

Eligible to play for Hungary through his grandparents, Styles is keen to step out of League One in order to safeguard his place in the Hungarian squad for this summer’s European Championships.

A move to Sunderland would enable him to spend the second half of the season in the Championship, with his arrival potentially adding some much-needed bite and versatility to the Black Cats’ midfield.

Sunderland have been without Corry Evans since he suffered knee-ligament damage in last January’s win over Middlesbrough, and expect their skipper to be unavailable for the bulk of the remainder of the campaign.

This is turning into a busy transfer deadline day for Sunderland, with two deals already having been confirmed this morning.

Romaine Mundle has completed his permanent switch from Standard Liege, with Alex Pritchard having left Wearside to join Birmingham City on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Sunderland remain hopeful of signing a striker before the window swings shut, although long-standing target Kieffer Moore looks to be heading to Ipswich Town on loan from Bournemouth.