The transfer window has turned into a game of one-upmanship between newly promoted sides Leeds United and Sunderland, with both clubs consistently targeting the same players.
While both sides are in the same boat, newly promoted to the Premier League with an urgent need to strengthen, the constant battles for the same players have become a running theme.
It’s an irritating loop for Leeds fans, as they watch their club work to try secure a players services, just to lose out or be chased by another club.
And Sunderland may be about to secure the signature of another player Leeds decided they couldn’t afford.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton.
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Sunderland target former Leeds target Dominic Calvert-Lewin
According to talkSPORT, the Black Cats were willing to offer Dominic Calvert-Lewin a move to the Stadium of Light after his release by Everton. Calvert-Lewin’s final season with the Toffees saw him score three goals in 26 league outings last term.
However, the 28-year-old is keen to keep his options open in the hope a club higher up the Premier League food chain comes in for him.
This move from Sunderland comes around a month after Leeds United were interested in the player, but ultimately deciding not to go through with it.
Despite the Whites needing the attacking reinforcement, and Jermaine Beckford saying Calvert-Lewin needed a move, talkSPORT sources suggested that Calvert-Lewin ‘wanted too much money’, leaving Farke with no choice but to reject the deal.
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As Leeds fan may be aware, this isn’t the first time Sunderland and Leeds have somewhat butted heads when it comes to transfer interest.
Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager.
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Transfer battles between Sunderland and Leeds
Leeds United missed out on Habib Diarra who chose to join Sunderland despite the club’s efforts, and they also missed out on Noah Sadiki who Régis Le Bris swooped from under Leeds’ nose.
Leeds have since acquired Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach, but Diarre and Sadiki were two key midfield targets the 49ers’ had identified.
Both clubs have reportedly shown interest in Chelsea striker Marc Guiu, with Sunderland reportedly ahead in the chase. They were both also linked to Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, Nice striker Evann Guessand and Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Even Igor Paixao’s snub had a Sunderland connection, the last thing fans will have wanted to hear after that rollercoaster of a transfer chase.
Leeds fans will understandably be frustrated if Sunderland manage to land Calvert-Lewin, especially after Farke called for more attacking reinforcements after Saturday’s pre-season game.