Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for Robin Roefs, with Sunderland said to value the Dutch goalkeeper at around £50million
Chelsea are heading the queue to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs - but would need to find around £50million to prise him away, according to reports.
Transfer journalist Alan Nixon claims the Stamford Bridge club are in the market for a new number one and have been impressed by Roefs’ calm and controlled performances during his debut season in the Premier League.
Roefs only joined Sunderland on a five-year deal in August following promotion to the top flight and has quickly established himself as first choice, replacing Anthony Patterson between the posts. The report suggests Sunderland would be open to a sale if their valuation is met, with the Black Cats braced for interest from other leading English clubs should Roefs’ impressive form continue.
However, Chelsea are said to possess both the financial power and ambition to make a deal happen - with any potential move hinging on whether they are willing to meet Sunderland’s £50million asking price. It is also claimed Roefs would be open to the switch if Chelsea secure Champions League football, with the Dutchman’s career accelerating rapidly just months after his arrival in England.
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Sunderland, though, remain in a strong negotiating position given the length of Roefs’ contract and his importance to their Premier League project under current head coach Régis Le Bris. The Dutchman also stands a good chance of making this summer’s World Cup squad, which could further inflate his value.
"He's key," says Le Bris about his goalkeeper recently. "It's fair to say that in an efficient team, you need strong players on both sides. I think the goalkeeper and the centre-backs are really important to protect the goal. "He's young, without a lot of experience.
“Often you would say you need an experienced goalkeeper, because this role is really demanding, even psychologically. So he's doing really well. When you give opportunities to young players, you can be surprised. I think it's part of our identity."
In other Sunderland transfer news, Sunderland and Leeds United both held talks over a prospective deal for Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara during the January transfer window, according to reports.
The Black Cats spent much of the winter market offloading players, but did bring in a handful of fresh faces as well. Wingers Nilson Angulo and Jocelin Ta Bi both arrived on Wearside, while deputy goalkeeper Melker Ellborg is expected to provide cover and competition for current number one Roefs going forward.
But as per an update from Turkish outlet Fotospor, Regis Le Bris’ men also made an effort to bolster their ranks in the centre of midfield. The continental publication state that both Sunderland and fellow Premier League new boys Leeds made approaches for Sara last month, only to be knocked back because neither the player nor his current employers deemed their offers to be attractive enough.
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