EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland eying deal for Leicester defender to solve left-back problem

Sunderland are targeting Leicester City defender Luke Thomas to strengthen their ailing left-back position, Sunderland Nation can exclusively reveal.

The Black Cats went into the campaign looking well stocked at left-back, with Dennis Cirkin, Niall Huggins and Aji Alese all looking like good options.

However, Huggins suffered a serious knee injury and Cirkin may not play again this season either having required surgery on his hamstring, leaving Alese the only current option for Michael Beale.

That has the club looking at other options, and a loan deal for Thomas is one they are very keen on.

Thomas, 22, has played more than 50 times for Leicester in the Premier League and started the 2021 FA Cup final too. He also played in the Europa League for the Foxes.

There is some international pedigree too with Thomas being part of the England squad that won the 2023 European Under-21 Championship.

Thomas spent the first half of the season at Sheffield United, where he made 11 starts for the Blades in the Premier League.

That loan was terminated early though, meaning he is free to join another club in January.

Sunderland boss Michael Beale initially ruled out a left-back signing this month, although that was before Cirkin’s setback. Since then, he has openly admitted the club are looking at their options.

"Timmy [Pembele] is one who we're very excited about but he obviously needs to pick up a bit on his fitness because he had a long time out," Beale said.

"I think when everyone is available we've got fantastic options but obviously losing the two is going to make us think.”

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