The latest transfer talk from Sunderland as the Black Cats are linked with an ambitious swoop for two wingers.
Sunderland have reportedly made an shock loan bid to secure a Manchester City star as part of an ambitious attempt to add two high-profile wingers to Regis Le Bris’ Europa League-bound squad.
The Black Cats have opted for a measured approach to their summer transfer window business after completing deals for Belgium international Thomas Meunier, Toulouse left-back Dayaan Methalie and Royal Antwerp’s highly-rated young midfielder Jules Ahoka. However, there is an acceptance Le Bris’ squad must be further strengthened as Sunderland prepare for a hectic campaign that will bring at least eight additional fixtures after last season’s seventh place finish in the Premier League earned them a spot in the league phase of this season’s Europa League.
Igor Paixao joined Marseille from Feyenoord in the last summer window.placeholder image
Igor Paixao joined Marseille from Feyenoord in the last summer window. | Thibaud MORITZ / AFP via Getty Images
Tuesday brought strong suggestions over a move for Marseille winger Igor Paixão and the Echo understands the Brazilian is one of the main names to watch after negotiations over a possible move for Sporting CP wideman Geny Catamo have not yet reached a breakthrough. Paixão was strongly linked with a move to Leeds United last summer as the Whites prepared to return to the Premier League but he opted to move to Marseille after impressing in the colours of Eredivisie giants Feyenoord.
However, Marseille are believed to be open to offers for the winger due to their financial situation and that could offer Sunderland an opportunity to boost their options out wide before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. There have been suggestions a bid was lodged with Marseille earlier this week and discussions are continuing - although as The Echo stated earlier, there is no suggestion a deal is close or that personal terms have been agreed at this point in time.
Sunderland ‘submit offer’ for Man City and England star
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish could leave this summer (Martin Rickett/PA)placeholder image
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish could leave this summer (Martin Rickett/PA)
Tuesday afternoon brought news of another unexpected move for a winger far closer to home after The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now reported the Black Cats have lodged a bid to take Manchester City and England winger Jack Grealish on a season-long loan.
The former Aston Villa star moved to the Etihad Stadium in a reported £100m deal during the summer of 2021 and was part of the City side that completed a historic treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League during his second season with the club.
Grealish fell out of favour during Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge of City and spent last season on loan at Premier League rivals Everton, scoring two goals and providing four assists in 22 appearances in all competitions during his time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The 30-year-old returned to City at the end of the campaign and made a late substitute appearance in their 2-1 home win against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon - but his future remains far from certain as he enters the final year of his current contract and that has been enough to persuade Sunderland to make a firm move.
Ornstein posted on X: “Sunderland submit offer to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City. Bid for 30-year-old winger loan with Manchester City covering part of salary and possibility to become permanent next summer when contract ends. Sunderland pursuing Igor Paixao in parallel.”
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