Sunderland pair Noah Sadiki and Wilson Isidor have both been at the centre of transfer reports in recent days
Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams has reacted to reports linking Noah Sadiki and Wilson Isidor with potential exits from the Stadium of Light, asserting his belief that the Black Cats are “not in a position” where they need to cash in on their best players this month.
In the case of Sadiki, traditional Premier League heavyweights Manchester United have been touted for a swoop, with speculative suggestions that they could look to include Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte as a makeweight in any prospective agreement for the 21-year-old.
Elsewhere, reports emerged on Tuesday suggesting that Everton have made an informal enquiry about the potential availability of Sunderland striker Isidor this month. Toffees boss David Moyes is understood to be an admirer of the Frenchman, and is eager to bolster his options at the point of attack after underwhelming starts to the season from both Thierno Barry and Beto. For their part, the Black Cats are said to value Isidor at around £25 million.
But speaking during an appearance on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport, Williams suggested that his old club are in a strong enough position to fend off any mounting interest in their brightest assets for the time being.
What did Darren Williams say about reported transfer interest in Sunderland duo Noah Sadiki and Wilson Isidor?
When asked whether he could see Sadiki leaving Wearside in the near future, the pundit said: “I mean, personally, as a Sunderland fan, I'd like to think no, but you just never know. He's been brilliant this year, he brings a lot of energy in that midfield area, which I think Man Utd sometimes lack.
“Potentially he could, but I'd love to think no, because obviously we don't want to lose him, especially this time of the season. Realistically, overall, we don't want to lose him, so hopefully not, but, yeah, I've seen that this morning and I was a little bit shocked myself.”
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On Isidor, he continued: “I'd like to think we're not in a position where we need to sell, we're not in a position where we need to get rid of players. I know the club potentially will let a few go, maybe it's to balance the books, in a sense, but people like Isidor and Sadiki and people like that, we're hoping it's just paper talk.
“But, listen, these players are going to draw attention, they've come into the Premier League this year, they've surprised a lot of people, so they're going to attract attention from the bigger clubs - and I mean bigger clubs as in they've been in the Premiership a long time, because Sunderland is a big club.”
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