Wolves and Sunderland could soon strike a transfer agreement.

Sunderland are reportedly plotting an approach for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone after missing out on Marcin Bulka.

The Black Cats were in advanced talks to sign Bulka from OGC Nice but the Poland international opted to join Saudi Pro League club Neom SC instead. It would’ve been a bargain deal had Sunderland lured Bulka as he cost just £12.7 million after a superb season in Ligue 1, but there are alternatives out there who could also be great buys.

One of those could be Johnstone, albeit on loan rather than permanently. The four-time former England international only signed for Wolves last summer for £10 million from Crystal Palace but has hardly played, starting just 10 matches across all competitions in 2024/25 and conceding 19 goals. Having preserved just one clean sheet, Johnstone is very much behind Jose Sa in the pecking order at Molineux.

Sunderland transfer makes perfect sense

There could be a great solution in the form of moving to the Stadium of Light, though, with a loan transfer arguably the ideal approach. There’s a real possibility it happens, too, as The Sun reports Sunderland want to sign Johnstone so he can compete with current number one Anthony Patterson for game time.

The Black Cats are reportedly preparing what’s described as an ‘ambitious’ loan offer, eager to tempt Wolves into accepting as Johnstone has three years left on his contract. It could make perfect sense as the goalkeeper isn’t going to get any proper game time at Molineux at the moment and his market value could be preserved by playing regularly at Sunderland instead.

Goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler is said to be heavily involved in this deal as the former Wolves man, who recently moved to Sunderland to work under Regis Le Bris, has worked with Johnstone twice before. Cutler coached the shot-stopper at both Aston Villa and Wolves and was seriously impressed with his work. A reunion could now be on the cards on Wearside.

Wolves can splash the cash this summer

Onto incoming business at Molineux, and Wolves can spend big in the next couple of months if they wish to following the sales of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester United and Manchester City. Wanderers have already completed the £21 million acquisition of promising winger Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo, while the Jorgen Strand Larsen deal has been made permanent for £25 million, but plenty of other swoops are expected.

It’s understood that Vitor Pereira is prioritising signing a new centre-back or two as he seeks to bolster the depth and quality in defence. As Pereira tends to play with a back three, it’s pivotal he’s got a wealth of options at his disposal in case of injuries and fatigue.

Wanderers are also eager to sign a striker as there’s a recognition that Strand Larsen can’t do it all on his own. Wolves’ lack of depth up top was laid bare towards the end of last season when Strand Larsen wasn’t at full fitness, so it’s a big priority to get another centre-forward through the doors at Molineux.

Read on: Rangers are in advanced talks to sign a Wolves star on loan.