Sunderland and Brighton target ‘closing in’ on transfer deal was formally reached with Burnley star
Burnley attacking midfielder Scott Twine is reportedly closing in on a permanent move to Bristol City following an initial half-season loan, dealing a blow to Birmingham and Sunderland.
The 24-year-old impressed during his temporary spell at Ashton Gate, scoring two goals in 10 Sky Bet Championship appearances, following on from six months at Hull City where he scored four and assisted three. Burnley signed Twine in 2022 after he scored 20 and assisted 13 in 45 League One games for MK Dons, but he’s yet to become a regular at Turf Moor.
Bristol Live reports Twine, who started his career at Swindon Town, has been training with Bristol City ahead of pre-season, not yet returning to parent club Burnley. This is due to the two clubs being in advanced talks over the loan becoming a permanent transfer. It’s claimed that Bristol City are confident of concluding a deal imminently.
Liam Manning hasn’t hidden the Robins’ interest in signing Twine. “I’d love to work with him,” the head coach said in April. “I think he fits the club and profile of player we’ve got. For me, he’s been great; I think he’s got another level he can go to, I think he’s starting to show that and he fits what we’re trying to do.”
Brighton inflict Birmingham and Sunderland transfer blow
It’ll be disappointing for Birmingham and Sunderland if Bristol City do indeed sign Twine as both clubs have been linked with a potential hijack. Blues would be able to offer Twine star-man status at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, while Sunderland are eager to strengthen their attack as they attempt to move into Championship play-off reckoning.
The Black Cats finally look to have made a significant breakthrough in their long-running pursuit to find a permanent manager following the sacking of previous boss Mick Beale back in February.
Sky Sports News’ North East reporter Keith Downie also shared the news of the Black Cats’ advanced talks with Le Bris, and added that the Lorient boss was part of a five-man shortlist drawn up by the club’s hierarchy following Beale’s exit.
Downie also revealed that the process with Le Bris has been drawn out due to the club’s approach for Will Still, while the Frenchman needs a work permit, which the Mackems are confident will be granted.
Sunderland are also still trying to “tie up loose ends” with the 48-year-old’s current club as per Downie’s X post.
The Stadium of Light faithful will be glad to hear that their club’s managerial saga is finally nearing its end, but who is Le Bris?
Prior to his stint with the Lorient first team, Le Bris had not managed in professional football, as he was Lorient B’s manager from 2015-2022.
The club’s B team ply their trade in the fourth tier of French football, which is a semi-professional league.
The 48-year-old steered the Ligue 1 outfit to an impressive 10th-place finish in the top flight of French football during the 2022/23 season, which was the club’s third season at the top level following their promotion from Ligue 2 in 2020.
