Sunderland have submitted a bid for Marseille winger Igor Paixão as talks continue over a potential move
Sunderland are attempting to sign Marseille winger Igor Paixão and have already submitted a bid for the Brazilian.
As first reported by Sky Sports, the Black Cats hold firm interest in the 26-year-old, and talks are continuing between the clubs as Sunderland look to strengthen Régis Le Bris’ attacking options before the transfer deadline.
Paixão has emerged as an alternative to long-term Sporting CP target Geny Catamo, with Sunderland understood to have made the addition of another winger a priority. Marseille’s financial position could also play a part in negotiations, with the French club needing to raise funds and therefore potentially receptive to offers before the deadline.
Sunderland’s interest has advanced beyond simply monitoring the player, with a bid reportedly submitted earlier this week and discussions continuing over whether an agreement can be reached. There is no suggestion that a deal is close or that personal terms have been finalised, with talks between the relevant parties still ongoing.
The development adds another name to Sunderland’s search for attacking reinforcements, with Catamo having been pursued for some time and Paixão viewed as another option. Le Bris’ side have made strengthening on the wing a priority, and Sunderland are continuing to explore the market as they look to add another attacking player who can play on the right-hand side, though Paixão is typically a left-sided player who can operate on the opposite flank if needed.
With Marseille needing to raise funds and Sunderland having already made an offer, Paixão is now one of the main names to watch closely as negotiations continue before the window shuts at the start of next week. Sunderland have also been working on a deal for Catamo, but negotiations with the Portuguese club have proved difficult.
The Black Cats have made progress on the player side of a potential move, with Catamo open to joining Sunderland, but Sporting have dug into their position during club-to-club talks and have been reluctant to soften their demands. That has forced Sunderland to keep alternatives under consideration, with Paixão now emerging as another serious option as the club continue to prioritise the addition of a winger before the transfer deadline on September 1