The latest transfer talk from Sunderland as the Black Cats are linked with two top talents from La Liga.
Sunderland are reportedly set to be ‘frustrated’ in their bid to lure two top talents from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
The Black Cats are working hard to plan their summer transfer window business after they secured their Premier League status with recent wins against Leeds United and arch rivals Newcastle United. Although the Black Cats are expected to be active during the close-season, it would be something of a surprise if their level of business matched the hectic summer recruitment drive undertaken by the Stadium of Light hierarchy ahead of their return to the top flight.
With a push for European football still on the agenda, there is a focus on ending what has already been a memorable season on a high by securing a top seven finish that would surely be enough to ensure the Black Cats enter a continental competition for only the second time in their history and for the first time since 1973 when Bob Stokoe’s side entered the Cup Winners Cup.
However, there is a need to build on the momentum gained from a momentous 12 months and that will bring all manner of weird and wonderful transfer links. Spanish duo Victor Munoz and Thiago Pitarch have both been linked with moves to Wearside over the last fortnight - but TeamTalk have suggested Real Madrid could be set to put a block on both players joining Regis Le Bris’ squad.
Attacking midfielder Pitarch was said to be ‘open’ to a move to the Stadium of Light and the 18-year-old old was rumoured to be on a list of potential targets for the Black Cats. However, Pitarch has broken into the senior set-up with the La Liga giants and is now viewed as ‘an integral part’ of Real’s long-term plans according to TeamTalk. Although Munoz now plays for league rivals Osasuna, the presence of a buy-back clause in the agreement that took him from Real to the El Sadar Stadium last summer is said to represent an issue for the Black Cats.
Recruitment drive
Victor Munozplaceholder image
Victor Munoz | Getty Images
The report suggests Real are ‘tracking the development’ of their academy product closely after his impressive form at club level earned him a maiden call-up to the senior Spain squad and he marked his debut with a goal in a 3-0 friendly win against Serbia at the weekend. Reports in Spain suggested Sunderland had already been unsuccessful with an offer in excess of £20m for the winger and further speculation has stated a move would only come to fruition if any willing party met a £35m release clause in his deal.
However, Real are now said to be ready to activate a buy-back clause in their initial agreement with Osasuna that would see Munoz return to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Despite their reported double disappointment, TeamTalk have also suggested Sunderland retain ‘strong relationships’ with Real and are exploring other emerging talents at the club with their recruitment drive said to be ‘far from over’.
Continue Reading