Transfer news: Matteo Guendouzi stance on £26.5m Sunderland switch outlined amid Newcastle United interest
Sunderland continue to be linked with a move for Matteo Guendouzi
Reported Sunderland transfer target Matteo Guendouzi “doesn’t want” to sign for the Black Cats in January, according to one continental journalist.
The Lazio midfielder has been heavily linked with a high-profile switch to Wearside in recent days, with suggestions that Regis Le Bris’ men could look to capitalise on the Italian outfit’s precarious financial situation to force through a deal worth around £26.5 million.
Alongside Sunderland, bitter local rivals Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest, but there have been claims from the continent that it is the Black Cats who are “serious” about securing his signature.
In yet more encouraging news, Italian publication Il Messaggero have argued that Lazio’s ongoing monetary woes mean that the club would actually “welcome” offers for the player as they look to balance the books this January.
But Sunderland’s hopes of pulling of a notable winter coup may be tempered somewhat by a fresh update from La Repubblica journalist Enrico de Lellis. Speaking to CalcioBlog, the reporter has insisted that despite interest from the North East, Guendouzi has no desire to move to Wearside. He said: “Guendouzi has an offer from Sunderland, but the player doesn’t want to go there.”
Moreover, De Lellis has claimed that Napoli hold an interest in the 26-year-old, adding: “Guendouzi comes into play in all this. I know Conte really likes him. Lazio need to capitalise [financially]”
For his part, Guendouzi has also sought to cool talk over his future in recent days. Speaking after Lazio’s recent 2-0 win over Lecce - a match in which he scored the opener - Guendouzi was asked directly about the speculation surrounding Sunderland. The Frenchman responded, as relayed by Tuttomercatoweb: “For me, we’re all focused on the present. We’re united, and that’s fine.”
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What did Régis Le Bris actually say about the transfer link?
Sunderland head coach Le Bris, speaking ahead of last weekend’s trip to Fulham, admitted he remains in contact with Guendouzi from their time together at FC Lorient. The Black Cats boss did not disclose whether the club would pursue a deal, but his ongoing relationship with the player only adds fuel to the speculation.
"It's too early to speak about the next transfer window," Le Bris pointedly said when asked about the transfer link. "We still have connections with players, and Matteo is one because I worked with him at Lorient. But at the minute nothing, it's too early. We have really good midfielders, so we'll see."
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