Lutsharel Geertruida has been an important squad player this season but has struggled for regular starts

Sunderland will not be signing Lutsharel Geertruida permanently this summer, according to Sky Sports in Germany.

The Black Cats signed Geertruida on loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig last summer, with an option-to-buy clause for a fee believed to be in the region of £20 million included. The Netherlands international has made an important contribution over the course of the campaign and made 27 appearances for the Black Cats across all competitions, but has struggled to pin down a regular spot in Régis Le Bris's starting XI.

Le Bris said on Thursday that it was 'too early' to make a decision on his long-term future at the club, but Sky Sports Germany say he will return to Leipzig this summer and then likely move on again.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Philip Hinze wrote on social media: "Decision made – Geertruida will not stay at Sunderland!

"There is now internal clarity. Lutsharel Geertruida, who is on loan at Sunderland from Leipzig, will not remain at Sunderland beyond the summer. The Dutch international set to leave, and Sunderland will not trigger the €23m buying option. Geertruida will initially return to Leipzig. However, chances are big that the 25-year-old will not continue with the Bundesliga club either. A permanent solution is being sought.

"Initial enquiries have already been made. Geertruida definitely has a market in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Potential interested clubs and offers are being carefully assessed and evaluated."

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What Régis Le Bris said about Lutsharel Geertruida on Thursday

Speaking on Thursday, Le Bris insisted that Geertruida remained in contention and that any uncertainty over his long-term future would not impact his selection for the final three games of the campaign.

There will be vacancy within the back four for those games due to Dan Ballard's suspension, though it remains to be seen if Geertruida will get the nod.

"The main idea is that we want to win this game so it's a short-term vision [with selection], this is really clear. If it's a 50-50, maybe 1% [uncertainty over a player's future] will influence the decision but in this case I don't think it would be the idea. Lutsha is a player of Sunderland and we'll see at the end of the season if we go further or not. He's 100% with us [at this point]."

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