Sunderland transfer latest: £123m deals in play as Kevin Danso closes in and winger search shifts
Sunderland remain active heading into deadline day, with Kevin Danso moving closer and several major attacking options still under consideration
Sunderland are heading into the final stretch of the summer transfer window with several deals still in play at both ends of Régis Le Bris’ squad.
Florent Ghisolfi and the recruitment team are continuing to work on potential additions and departures before the window closes at 11pm on Tuesday.
Sunderland and Tottenham reach Kevin Danso agreement
Sunderland are closing in on Kevin Danso after reports claimed an agreement in principle has been reached with Tottenham over a move. The 27-year-old Austria international has also reportedly agreed personal terms and is on standby to undergo a medical. Tottenham are not expected to sanction his departure until they have secured a replacement.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Sunderland initially attempted to sign Danso on loan, only for Spurs to reject that proposal. Talks subsequently moved towards a rumoured loan-to-buy deal. Tottenham paid around £21million to sign the centre-back from Lens, initially bringing him in on loan before making the move permanent.
Sunderland keep Malick Fofana transfer option open
Malick Fofana remains under consideration as Sunderland assess alternatives to Igor Paixao. Reports suggest the 21-year-old Lyon winger is still an option for the Black Cats, although Arsenal are also considering a late move and have spoken to the Belgium international.
Lyon have previously been credited with valuing Fofana at around £34million, meaning another substantial outlay would be required. Sunderland could yet make as many as three additions before the deadline and another winger remains high on the agenda.
Igor Paixao expected to stay at Marseille
Sunderland’s pursuit of Paixao now appears unlikely to end in a deal despite a significant push to sign the Marseille attacker. The Black Cats were reported to have offered around £34million including bonuses for the 26-year-old Brazilian, who was open to moving to Wearside.
Reports in France now suggest Marseille have decided to keep Paixao because they are unable to register new players and do not want to weaken their squad. That development has forced Sunderland to look more closely at other attacking options.
Sunderland see fresh Geny Catamo bid rejected
Sunderland have also returned for Sporting winger Geny Catamo with another substantial offer. Reports in Portugal claim the Black Cats submitted a proposal worth more than £25.5million guaranteed, potentially rising to around £34million with bonuses. Sporting rejected the latest bid and currently intends to keep the 25-year-old Mozambique international.
Catamo has been on Sunderland’s radar for much of the summer, and the latest offer shows Ghisolfi has not completely abandoned that route.
Mykhailo Mudryk considered as Tottenham make move
Mykhailo Mudryk is another winger Sunderland have considered, although Tottenham are now pushing to sign the Chelsea attacker on loan. Reports suggest Spurs have made an offer and the Ukraine international is keen on the move.
Sunderland, Brentford and Coventry have also been credited with considering Mudryk, while Leeds have been working on a deal for almost two weeks.
Abdoullah Ba could leave Sunderland for Sivasspor
One outgoing deal to watch involves Abdoullah Ba. The Echo understands a move to Turkish club Sivasspor remains possible before Tuesday night’s deadline. The 23-year-old was close to joining Peterborough United earlier in the window before that deal collapsed.
Ba has no future at Sunderland and remains under contract until 2027, leaving his situation as one of several Ghisolfi will hope to resolve before the window shuts.