Sunderland remain active in the transfer market after one reported target agreed a £19.7m move elsewhere
Sunderland are continuing to assess their options ahead of the transfer deadline, with fresh claims emerging over both attacking and defensive targets. Here is a look at the latest Sunderland transfer news:
Ernest Poku turns down Sunderland interest
Sunderland were reportedly among the clubs interested in Ernest Poku before the Bayer Leverkusen attacker opted to join Besiktas. Haber Kartali claims Poku turned down offers from Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Porto and Fiorentina in order to make the move to Istanbul.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has since reported that a full agreement has been reached between Besiktas and Leverkusen. The deal is structured as a loan initially, with a fee of around £2.6million at current exchange rates.
Besiktas will also have an option to buy worth approximately £17.1million, which will become an obligation if certain conditions are met. That would take the potential overall package to around £19.7million before any other clauses. Plettenberg reports that Poku is expected to undergo his medical within 48 hours before completing the final paperwork, with the agreement negotiated between the respective clubs.
Jake O’Brien linked with Sunderland
Sunderland have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Everton defender Jake O’Brien ahead of the transfer deadline.
A report from TeamTalk claims Everton are open to offers for the Republic of Ireland international, with interest coming from a number of Premier League and European clubs. Crystal Palace have already been linked with O’Brien, while Sunderland are also said to be open to strengthening their defensive options and have consequently been named as another club to watch.
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O’Brien would bring significant Premier League experience to Sunderland’s defensive group and offers versatility across the back line, although there is no suggestion at this stage that the Black Cats have made a formal offer. The latest link comes as Sunderland continues to assess where further additions could improve Le Bris’ squad before the window closes.
With European football adding another layer to Sunderland’s schedule this season, squad depth remains an important part of the club’s planning heading into the final stages of the market as Sunderland prepare to face Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
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