Sunderland face budget talks over £50.2m transfer target as Leeds United and Newcastle United show interest
Sunderland reportedly remain keen on Sporting winger Geny Catamo, but budget talks are needed before a January bid amid interest from Newcastle United and Leeds United
Sunderland remain interested in Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo ahead of the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The Black Cats are said to view the 25-year-old Mozambique international as an option to strengthen their right flank, although the report claims they are unwilling to pay more than approximately £29.3million.
Tavolieri reports that Sunderland were prepared to go as high as around £33.5million last summer, when Sporting demanded the full value of Catamo’s release clause, equivalent to approximately £50.2million. That suggests Sporting would need to soften their stance for a deal to fall within Sunderland’s reported budget, with the Black Cats apparently setting a lower spending limit than during the previous window.
According to the report, Catamo’s qualities appeal to Régis Le Bris, who sees the winger as a potential complement to Malick Fofana on the opposite flank. His ability to create chances and cut inside is described as a particular attraction as Sunderland consider ways to improve their attacking options. However, a January bid is not guaranteed. Tavolieri says internal discussions are still required to determine whether Sunderland will commit the necessary funds and make another approach for the Sporting player.
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There could also be competition from elsewhere in the Premier League. Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring Catamo, while Everton, Leeds United, Bournemouth and Brentford are said to have scouted his recent performances. Catamo therefore remains a reported target for Sunderland, but any winter move appears dependent on the club’s spending plans and Sporting’s willingness to negotiate below the release clause they demanded last summer.