Sunderland are progressing talks over Geny Catamo as fresh details emerge over the medical issue affecting Dayann Methalie’s proposed move
Sunderland are continuing to make progress in their pursuit of Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo as further reports in Portugal suggest the Black Cats are prepared to increase their offer for the Mozambique international.
The Echo understands Sunderland are making positive progress towards a club-player agreement with Catamo, who is open to the prospect of moving to the Stadium of Light. Club-to-club discussions with Sporting remain ongoing, with no agreement between the two sides at this stage.
Sunderland have also explored the work permit possibilities available should a deal eventually be struck. Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported on Wednesday morning that the Black Cats are ready to "up the ante" in negotiations, while O Jogo claims Sunderland have a formula which could take the overall value of their proposal to the €40million mark, approximately £34million.
Record carries a similar report, claiming Sunderland's latest proposal could be worth €40million with the fixed element of the potential deal increasing by €10million. Catamo has a €60million release clause, worth around £51million, though Sunderland are attempting to negotiate a deal significantly below that figure.
The developments come as Sunderland continue to assess their position over Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie following issues arising from his medical examinations on Wearside.
Sunderland sources confirmed on Tuesday that the proposed transfer was "in the balance", with additional medical tests required and Methalie returning to France. The club declined to provide further detail on the nature of the issue because the 20-year-old remains a Toulouse player.
French newspaper Le Parisien has now reported that Sunderland's examinations highlighted a problem with Methalie's back. The report claims the issue was considered significant enough for Sunderland to question elements of the previously proposed agreement and potentially look at renegotiating the deal.
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Methalie had travelled to Wearside after Sunderland made significant progress in negotiations with Toulouse, but the deal is now far from certain while further assessments take place. Sunderland remain active in the market with the Premier League campaign approaching, with Catamo's situation continuing to develop while the club waits for greater clarity over Methalie.
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