Premier League duo 'chasing Sunderland star'

Aston Villa and Bournemouth are reportedly interested in signing Sunderland defender Trai Hume this summer.

The right-back rose through the youth ranks at Linfield before going on to make 28 senior appearances for the Northern Irish club.

Since joining Sunderland in January 2022, Hume has featured in 77 competitive matches, chipping in with three goals and three assists.

Hume has started all 39 of his Championship appearances this season, with his performances attracting interest from a number of clubs.

According to Belfast Live, Aston Villa and Bournemouth are among those showing an interest in Hume ahead of the summer transfer window.

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The two Premier League clubs may need to persuade Sunderland to entertain a sale, with the Championship side under no immediate pressure to part ways with Hume.

The Northern Ireland international is under contract until the summer of 2027 with an option to extend by a further year.

Aston Villa could be tempted to bring in a new right-back to provide competition to Matty Cash, and it appears likely that they will be able to offer Hume the opportunity Champions League football.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have a number of right-backs in their squad in the form of Adam Smith, Max Aarons and Ryan Fredericks.

However, Aarons and Fredericks have both experienced injury-hit seasons, while the latter is out of contract at the end of the season.

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Hume attracting interest from elsewhwere

Aston Villa and Bournemouth could face further competition from Championship duo Leeds United and Leicester City, who are believed to be among the player's admirers.

Leeds and Leicester are both vying for promotion, and their hopes of signing Hume will be boosted if they can secure an immediate return to the top flight.

The 22-year-old could also be presented with the chance to play in Italy, with Napoli reportedly showing an interest in the Sunderland man.

Napoli are seemingly open to the prospect of adding to their current right-back options which includes Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Pasquale Mazzocchi.