MICHAEL BEALE eased some of the heat on himself by leading Sunderland to a 3-1 win over Stoke on Saturday.
But the former Rangers boss is yet to make his first signing as Black Cats gaffer as we enter the final few days of the January transfer window.
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Sunderland have been linked with a host of players, including ex-Gers man Amad Diallo and Wales striker Kieffer Moore, but still no new signings have come through the door.
Beale’s side ended a three-game winless streak by beating Stoke, and it’s a result that means they’re outside the play-off places only on goal difference.
Despite sitting in that position, the pressure has been mounting on Beale over the past few weeks with furious fans calling for him to be axed already.
There was further drama this weekend with key star Alex Pritchard REFUSING to play as he looks to force a move out of the club.
The former Norwich and Tottenham man told the club he wasn’t available for selection and that he wanted to leave with immediate effect.
Pritchard is now expected to link-up with former boss Tony Mowbray at Birmingham.
As Beale deals with the fall out there, he could be about to welcome a new face to the club.
And it would be a case of a former Rangers manager signing an ex-Celtic player!
According to SunSport columnist Alan Nixon, Sunderland are targeting a move for Leo Hjelde.
The 20-year old spent two years at Celtic before joining Leeds United for an undisclosed fee back in 2021.
Having made a handful of appearances in the Premier League prior to Leeds’ relegation, he spent half of last season on loan at Rotherham.
But he’s played just once all this season in the league for Leeds.
And Sunderland are now eyeing a loan swoop as they seek cover across the back line.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page