An update has emerged on Sunderland's pursuit of Linfield defender Trai Hume, regarding their efforts to sign him this month...

What's the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Black Cats have placed a bid in excess of £200k for the youngster and are now in advanced negotiations to bring him to England.

The report claims that he is expected to complete a switch to the Stadium of Light, having visited the ground to take in a game against Sheffield Wednesday.

Masterclass

Kristjaan Speakman is on course for a masterclass with this deal for Hume. £200k is a pittance and they could be landing a player with the potential to be a first-choice player for the club for years to come, which could make that fee look like a bargain in the future.

At the age of 19, he has already made 62 senior appearances and has played in a multitude of roles. He can play at centre-back, defensive midfield or on the right wing, but his main position is as a right-back and right wing-back.

Carl Winchester, who is a midfielder by trade, has been deployed at right-back to great effect this season, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.84 in League One. However, the signing of Hume could allow him to fight for minutes in the middle of the park, providing Lee Johnson with more flexibility across his squad.

Retired midfielder Barry Johnston once lauded Hume's talents, saying:

“He has played every game at Under 21 level at right wing-back, and he just has a bit of everything. He is talented, and he is tactically and technically very good. He understands the game and is magnificent in the air considering he is not a big 6ft-plus player.

“He is good going forward, you saw that with his goal against Glentoran. He wants to get in the box and get on the end of things. he also scores headers and is tough in the tackle.

“He wants to be a footballer, and he is a dream to have in a team and I am delighted there are clubs recognising his talent and hopefully it is good for our game."

These quotes highlight some of his strengths and illustrate the potential he has as a player. At the age of 19, he has impressed enough at senior level to warrant this praise and that is why this deal could be a masterclass from Speakman if Sunderland are able to bring him in.

The Black Cats could be bringing in a player with the scope to improve further and build his value as the years progress. This means that he could be a transfer investment for the future, whilst potentially making an impact in the short-term at right-back.