Sunderland have explored a loan move for a £21m Tottenham defender with strong links to Florent Ghisolfi.
Sunderland have seen a loan approach for Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso rejected as the Black Cats look to strengthen defensively before the transfer deadline.
The Echo understands from sources on both sides of the deal that Sunderland explored a loan move for the 27-year-old Austria international, but Tottenham knocked back the approach. Danso is among a number of defensive options considered by the Black Cats as they assess the market during the closing stages of the summer window.
There is also significant history between Danso and Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi, who has now explored signing the defender at three different clubs. Ghisolfi was sporting director at Lens when Danso arrived from Augsburg in August 2021. L'Equipe reported that the French club paid €5million for the defender, worth around £4.3million at the time, although other reports placed the initial fee slightly higher with potential bonuses attached.
Danso was very much a Ghisolfi signing. Speaking when the deal was completed, the Frenchman described the Austrian as Lens' "absolute priority", highlighting his physical attributes, tactical understanding and ability to operate in more than one defensive role. It proved to be an excellent piece of recruitment. Danso became a key figure for Lens, helping them finish second in Ligue 1 and qualify for the Champions League before eventually leaving, having made 128 appearances for the club.
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Ghisolfi's interest did not end when he left Lens. After taking over as Roma's technical director in May 2024, he attempted to sign Danso again that summer. Roma and Lens reached an agreement over an initial loan with an obligation to buy, with the total package potentially reaching €26million - around £22million.
The transfer dramatically collapsed at the medical stage. Danso was not cleared during the mandatory Italian fitness examinations, with concerns subsequently reported over his heart. Lens publicly questioned the outcome, while Danso said at the time that he was surprised and disappointed by the decision.
Danso later underwent extensive specialist tests at the Cleveland Clinic London. Those examinations found no heart muscle scarring or electrical abnormalities considered likely to cause dangerous arrhythmias and he was cleared to return to competitive football in October 2024.
Tottenham eventually moved for him the following February, initially signing Danso on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy. That permanent transfer was worth €25million, around £20.9million, with the defender agreeing a long-term contract in north London.
Sunderland's approach therefore represents the third time Ghisolfi has looked to bring Danso to one of his clubs. He signed him at Lens, went back for him at Roma and has now explored a reunion on Wearside. Tottenham's rejection means there is currently no agreement for Danso to join Sunderland, with the Black Cats continuing to look at defensive options ahead of the deadline.
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