Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen winger Ernest Poku, with a fee in the region of £21.4m expected, according to Bild. The 22-year-old Dutchman is seen as a potential replacement for Bertrand Traore, who left at the end of last season. The deal would also free up Leverkusen to re-sign Moussa Diaby, who has also been linked with the Black Cats.
Galatasaray eye Talbi
Galatasaray have initiated a move for Sunderland's Chemsdine Talbi, as they look for a possible replacement for Baris Yilmaz, according to Yeni Asir via Sport Witness. The Turkish club are reportedly willing to pay at least €50million (£42.84m) for Yilmaz, which would give them substantial funds to convince Sunderland to sell Talbi. The 21-year-old Moroccan is admired by Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk, who believes he could boost their Champions League ambitions.
Sunderland will be reluctant to part with their young talent, but Champions League football could be a draw. However, Regis Le Bris can offer European football of his own this season.
Catamo's coach backs move
Mozambique manager Chiquinho Conde has urged Sporting CP to let Geny Catamo join Sunderland. Sporting are reluctant to sell the 25-year-old, but Conde believes it is time for him to test himself in another league.
"He also wants to take this opportunity because football is all about timing, and this will affect him mentally," Conde told Antena 1, per Sport Witness. "I honestly think Sporting, sooner or later, will have to let him leave, if it also benefits the club's structure. Of course, I imagine he's going through a period of great anxiety. I also think it's time for him to prove himself in another league."
"I think it's the ideal time for him to leave," he added. "As national team coach, I'd be grateful because we'd have a player with extra motivation, and the national team would benefit enormously from that move from a sporting perspective."
Transfers increasingly play out in public, and any advocacy that can build momentum towards a move could yet help. If Sporting remain adamant they want to keep Catamo, Sunderland's job will be difficult, but the Portuguese side have a reputation for selling at the right price.
