Transfer news: Club reject £11m bid for Sunderland and Aston Villa winger target, summer bidding war expected
Sunderland have been linked with a move for Viking winger Edvin Austbo
Norwegian side Viking FK have rejected an £11 million for Sunderland and Aston Villa-linked winger Edvin Austbo, according to reports.
The Black Cats were touted as admirers of the 20-year-old in a recent update from ontheminute.com, with Villa also credited with an interest alongside Leeds United. Since then, German giants Bayer Leverkusen have been mentioned as possible suitors as well, and the understanding is that there is something of a race developing for his signature.
Austbo enjoyed a breakout campaign in Norway last term, winning the Eliteserien’s Young Player of the Season award and helping his side to a league title. Predominantly operating as a left winger, the starlet registered seven goals and eight assists across all competitions.
And it would appear that Viking are now fending off concrete interest in the player. As per Aftenbladet, the Scandinavian outfit have knocked back an offer of around £11 million from an unnamed bidder, while also suggesting that there have been several other approaches from clubs in England, Germany, France, and Denmark over the weekend. With that in mind, it is claimed that a bidding war could ensue by the time the summer window rolls around.
What is the latest on Sunderland’s winger situation?
Elsewhere, Sunderland could be in for a change out on the flanks, with Simon Adingra seemingly nearing a move to AS Monaco, and a replacement for the Ivorian already lined up.
Having only signed for the Black Cats over the summer, the former Brighton and Hove Albion man looks set to depart the Stadium of Light on an initial loan agreement, with an option-to-buy clause attached.
Writing on X, renowned reporter Fabrizio Romano explained: “Simon Adingra to AS Monaco, here we go! Verbal agreement done with Sunderland. Understand it’s a deal worth €1m with €17m buy option clause. Visa being sorted and medical next.” If Romano’s figures are accurate, the Black Cats would stand to make around £866,000 from Adingra’s initial loan, plus a further £14.8 million if the deal is made permanent.
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And as Adingra edges ever closer to a departure, Sunderland are said to be closing in on a deal for Anderlecht talent Nilson Angulo. The Ecuadorian has scored six goals and assisted four more across 22 outings in the Belgian top flight this term, and according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, would arrive on Wearside for an initial £15 million, with a further £2.5 million in potential future add-ons.
Much could hinge on Adil Aouchiche’s proposed move to Schalke, however. The midfielder has been on loan at Aberdeen, but is nearing a permanent move to Germany, freeing up a foreign loan slot in the process and setting Sunderland’s transfer chain in motion.
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