Westerlo drop Matija Frigan transfer hint amid rumoured €15m Sunderland bid and 'personal agreement'
Sunderland are reportedly keen on a deal for the 21-year-old Croatian striker during the transfer window
Belgian club Westerlo have dropped a hint regarding the reported transfer of Matija Frigan to Sunderland.
Several outlets in recent days have stated that the striker is closing in on a move to the North East during the January transfer window. It has been said that the Black Cats have reached a “personal agreement” with the player and are now negotiating with his club.
Reports say that Westerlo would like Sunderland to buy Frigan outright during the window for a fee of around €7million, though the Wearsiders would prefer a loan move with an option-to-buy clause of around €15million should they win promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season.
However, despite multiple reports saying the deal was close and could be concluded on Monday or Tuesday this week, Frigan was named on the bench as Westerlo faced Royal Antwerp in the Belgian Pro League on Sunday evening. The 21-year-old was named on the bench for the clash and came on in the second half to play 26 minutes as his side lost 3-2.
Despite Sunderland’s obvious interest in him, Frigan being part of Westerlo’s squad last weekend suggests the deal may not be as far along as first claimed by European outlets over the past couple of days, though things can move quickly when it comes to transfers.
Frigan has netted six times and bagged one assist for Westerlo in 26 appearances so far this season. Sunderland return to action against Derby County in the Championship at Pride Park on Tuesday evening.