Sunderland look set to miss out on Luke Thomas as League One rivals Ipswich Town agree a deal with the Barnsley winger, as reported by the East Anglian Daily Times.
Just two weeks ago, the Yorkshire Post reported that the Stadium of Light was the most likely destination for a £1.2 million Championship winger.
Sunderland manager Lee Johnson even admitted that he wanted a left-footed player to add some balance to a largely right-leaning squad (Echo). Thomas, then, ticked a lot of boxes.
So what’s gone wrong?
Why, despite the left-footed Thomas being perfectly suited to Johnson’s plans, are third-tier rivals Ipswich now on the verge of snapping him up from right under Sunderland’s nose?
EADT reports that Paul Lambert’s side have agreed a deal in principle for Thomas, who could be unveiled at Portman Road as early as today.
Former Manchester United youngster Josh Harrop is also expected to arrive in East Anglia on a short-term loan deal from Preston North End.
As it stands, Ipswich are one place and two points better off than Sunderland in seventh. After missing out on promotion in each of the last two seasons, those embattled Black Cats fans will be praying that history does not repeat itself in 2021.
Losing out on Thomas, to a genuine play-off rival no less, is certainly not a great look.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
