Eddie Howe has been handed several fitness concerns ahead of the derby against Sunderland
Sunderland talent Noah Sadiki has emerged as a transfer target for Chelsea and Manchester United
The Black Cats brought the DR Congo international to England from Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in early July, with the midfielder putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light. Since then, he has impressed hugely during the early part of his side’s long-awaited return to the Premier League, and has established himself as a virtual ever-present of Regis Le Bris’ starting XI.
But despite having only been on Wearside for a matter of months, it is now being suggested that Sadiki is already attracting interest from some of the most high-profile clubs in the top flight.
What has been said about Chelsea and Man Utd’s apparent transfer interest in Sunderland star Noah Sadiki?
According to a fresh update from Sacha Tavolieri, following his performance in Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in late October, the Blues made immediate contact with Sadiki’s current employers to enquire about an asking price for the 20-year-old - a signifier of their “very serious interest”.
Elsewhere, Tavolieri adds: “Manchester United have long had Sadiki in their sights: the Red Devils had already approached the player's representatives at the start of the season, proof that the situation is being closely monitored. Looking for a midfielder, United could turn to Sadiki if signing [Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos] Baleba proves too expensive”. The reporter goes on to claim that “the race to sign Noah Sadiki is officially on...”.
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How worried should Sunderland be about reported interest in Noah Sadiki from Chelsea and Manchester United?
Sunderland find themselves in a strong position with regards to fending off any prospective interest in Sadiki. As mentioned above, the midfielder only recently signed a long-term contract in the North East, and that agreement - coupled with the lack of financial pressure that the Black Cats are under - means that the club faces no obligation to entertain approaches in the near future.
It is also worth noting that both Chelsea and Manchester United were reportedly keen on Sadiki prior to him arriving on Wearside. In other words, these latest claims are perhaps not as revelatory as they first appear - if the Blues and the Red Devils were admirers of the Sunderland star before, it tracks that they would still be keeping an eye on him after he has shown that he cut it in the Premier League.
All in all, though, the Black Cats look to be fairly secure. Either they demand an absurd amount of money for Sadiki and pocket a massive profit on the fee they paid a matter of months ago, or - more likely - they keep hold of a key asset for the time being with minimal fuss.
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