Norwich City close in on £500k Bali Mumba deal as Kyle Lafferty leaves Sunderland

Mumba, 18, has long been considered one of the finest talents in the Sunderland academy and broke through into the senior set-up in 2018.

The two clubs have been in talks for a number of weeks over a potential deal, which is likely to comprise an initial fee and a number of performance related add-ons.

A total deal in the region of £500,000 is believed to have been discussed.

No deal has been finalised at this stage but it seems increasingly likely that Mumba's time on Wearside is drawing to a conclusion.

He currently has one year left on his first professional contract and despite a lack of senior action this season, the youth international remains a prodigious talent and one of the club's biggest assets.

Mumba made his debut in May 2018, when he replaced John O'Shea in the final match of the Championship season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He went on to make a major impression on new manager Jack Ross, and started the first two games of Sunderland's first League One campaign.

Opportunities were not as regular after the return of Lee Cattermole and the purchase of Max Power, but he remained a relatively regular figure in matchday squads under Ross.

This season he has only one EFL trophy appearance to his name, but the deal will come as a further blow to supporters, who have seen a number of the academy's best talents depart in recent times.

Meanwhile, Kyle Lafferty has left Sunderland after his short-term deal expired.

The Northern Ireland international joined in January to aid the push for promotion from League One.

With Charlie Wyke firmly established as Phil Parkinson’s first choice in the position, chances for the 32-year-old were limited.

He did make a major impression when finally getting his first start for the club, scoring twice in the 2-2 draw with Gillingham on March 7th.

A club statement said: “Sunderland AFC can confirm that Kyle Lafferty has left the club.

“After signing a short-term deal at the Stadium of Light in January, the 32-year-old striker went on to score two goals in 11 appearances for the Lads.

“Everyone at SAFC would like to wish Kyle the best of luck for the future.”

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