Sunderland have been credited with an interest in Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi.
Sunderland have been linked with a swoop for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi in recent days, and while the Cherries may “struggle” to hold on to him this summer, there is a belief that the player would ideally prefer to seal a move to a Champions League side over the coming months.
As things stand, Senesi’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and at the time of writing, there are no indications that he plans to sign an extension. As such, he could be available on a free transfer this summer.
For his part, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was still delivering a hopeful message on the prospect of a new contract as recently as December, telling a press conference: "The most important thing is that he's playing very well. Both parties still have time regarding his contract situation - there are still seven months left. There is no doubt I want him to continue here."
What else has been said about Sunderland-linked defender Marcos Senesi?
But to that end, a recent update from BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella would seem to suggest that Iraola will not get his wish. Speaking to Radio Solent, the reporter explained: "It's been a smart decision [to keep Senesi]. Bournemouth could not really sell any more centre-backs.
"Yes, you want a transfer fee but do you want to flirt with relegation? I'm sure they'll have a little look in January but if the right player isn't available then they'll happily wait until the summer. Then you've got to throw in the uncertainty around the manager's contract.
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“Having the certainty [until the summer] of a 28-year-old centre-back that is good enough to play in the Premier League is invaluable. If he's getting offers from Champions League clubs or even very strong Europa League cups then I think Bournemouth will struggle to keep him.”
And in that regard, both Bournemouth and Sunderland could find themselves disappointed in their efforts to secure Senesi’s services moving forward. Alongside the raft of Premier League interest reported by TEAMtalk, the publication also state that a number of high-calibre continental clubs are casting an eye over him too. The likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and Napoli are all mentioned as admirers, with the player himself understood to favour a switch to Barca at the present moment in time, rather than a move to another ambitious English outfit.
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