Sunderland’s Jason Steele has been linked with a move to Brighton and Hove Albion.
According to a report by Sky Sports (live transfer thread, June 20 at 14:50), Brighton and Hove Albion are in talks with Sunderland over the possibility of signing goalkeeper Jason Steele.
The Black Cats shot-stopper has been tipped for an exit this summer following the club’s relegation to League One, although it may come as a surprise to see interest from the Premier League.
Brighton are seemingly on the lookout for a back-up goalkeeper to regular number one Mathew Ryan, with Tim Krul and Niki Maenpaa expected to leave in a quest for first-team football.
Steele has plenty of experience and is a solid shot-stopper, yet the former Blackburn Rovers man had a difficult time at Sunderland following his move from Ewood Park 12 months ago.
The 27-year-old was in and out of the first-team set-up as he was replaced mid-season by on-loan goalkeeper Lee Camp, although he did finish the campaign by starting Sunderland’s final three games of the season.
Steele proved during spells at Middlesbrough and Blackburn that he is arguably above League One level, and as such Brighton may see him as ideal competition for Ryan’s number one jersey at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League as they comfortably beat the drop, and now boss Chris Hughton will be looking at strengthening his squad further this summer in a bid to avoid a potential top flight second-season syndrome.
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