The January transfer window may be shut for almost a week but that has not stopped clubs being proactive in the market for future moves with Stockport County reportedly interested in a move for a talented Sunderland midfielder.
This continues a trend of the Hatters targeting new additions from Championship clubs, having signed Owen Moxon from Portsmouth on deadline day, winger Micah Hamilton on loan from Middlesbrough and Brad Hills from Norwich City on a deal until the end of the campaign.
Goalscoring Midfielder Appears Ready to Step Up to EFL Level
21-year-old Caden Kelly is a Sunderland academy graduate currently on loan with Darlington, who sit tenth in the National League North, four points behind the play-off positions.
A deal was struck between the clubs at the end of the winter transfer window for the player to remain with the non-league side until the end of the campaign after he scored three goals in his first 18 matches in England’s sixth tier.
This has been the next step in the player’s development having contributed 23 goal involvements in 50 matches at Premier League 2 level.
Kelly played a key role in Sunderland’s run to the Premier League 2 play-off final in 2024 and appears destined for a successful senior-level career.
It does seem a bit of a significant drop in tiers for the attacking midfielder after how much promise he has shown at development level but that may be rectified soon if reports are to be believed.
Stockport County, who were rumoured to be targeting a loan deal for the attacking midfielder late in the transfer window, have reportedly re-ignited their interest in the player.
According to Alan Nixon, the League One side now want a more thorough look at the player before deciding on a move. The journalist states that the Irish-born midfielder could go on an extended trial period at Stockport County, while also playing on loan at Darlington.
Stockport County Primed For Top-Six Finish
The Hatters have been on a remarkable run since the turn of the year and have now lost just one of their seven third-tier outings in 2025.
Their win over Barnsley this weekend made it five consecutive wins and that sees them in fourth place, six points behind the automatic promotion places.
This run of form has come despite the departure of top scorer Louie Barry, who was recalled by parent club Aston Villa and subsequently sent on loan to the Championship.
A strong record in the transfer market of late has seen Stockport County become a major contender for promotion in League One this season and they have the capabilities to hold a spot in the top six at the very least in the current campaign.