Everton are looking to raid Sunderland of two of their star players in Chris Rigg and Dan Neil.
A big summer awaits Everton in the transfer window as the Friedkins look to invest for the first time since their takeover.
David Moyes is looking to address four key positions over the summer, and midfield will certainly be one of them.
The midfield will be a concern for those at Finch Farm heading into the summer with a number of uncertainties remaining.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is set to leave Everton, but the club are still awaiting a decision to be made on the likes of Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Movement in expected as Everton are already looking at raiding the Championship of some of its top midfielders.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Sunderland’s response to Everton’s interest in Chris Rigg
Everton are keen on signing Chris Rigg over the summer, but they will face some serious competition if they are to do so.
He is not the only player from the Wearside club as Everton also hold an interest in Dan Neil.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
According to Team Talk, Sunderland are not going to entertain any interest in their players before the season ends.
Regis Le Bris’ side are currently battling to secure their spot in the play-offs but their form has dipped slightly of late.
The Black Cats will want to block out any external noise as they finally look to make their return to the top flight.
If they do earn promotion, Everton’s chances of landing either could certainly be ruled out.
However, Neil has potentially opened the door to an exit this summer with his contract talks failing to advance.
This season feels like a real opportunity for Sunderland to finally make their return to the Premier League.
The Black Cats are sitting in fourth spot and have a healthy cushion on the sides sitting outside of the play-off spots.
The Friedkins are going to back Moyes this summer with the club finally able to spend without a huge concern hanging over their PSR stance.
If Sunderland fail to secure promotion, the club could well see a number of their players look to move on and test themselves in the top flight after their recent attempts at going up.