As the Premier League’s eighth round wraps up, Sunderland remain one of the most talked-about sides both on and off the pitch — and a new report has shed light on their transfer intentions for January.

The Black Cats continued their strong start to the season with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, thanks to an early strike from Nordi Mukiele in the 16th minute and a stoppage-time own goal from Ladislav Krejci.

That win lifted Sunderland to seventh place in the table on 14 points — level with Chelsea in fifth and Tottenham in sixth — after eight games. Regis Le Bris’s men will aim to build on their momentum when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday, October 25, in the ninth round of Premier League action.

Off the field, an important development has surfaced regarding Sunderland’s pursuit of Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí. The Colombian centre-back, 27, was a major target for the Wearside club during the summer transfer window, but Bologna refused to part with him.

Although reports in Italy suggested Sunderland might revive their interest in January, journalist Keith Downie has dismissed those claims.

“Sunderland will not be reigniting their pursuit of Jhon Lucumí in the upcoming window,” Downie confirmed, explaining that the emergence of Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida has shifted the club’s focus.

While Geertruida is still finding his footing, Mukiele has been an instant success under Le Bris, quickly establishing himself as a first-choice defender and key part of Sunderland’s system.

After the club’s significant summer outlay, it now appears that January could be a relatively quiet period for new arrivals — though, as always in football, that could still change depending on form and opportunity.