Done deal: After confirming the signing of Granit Xhaka, Sunderland has now reached another agreement to sign £35m player who is eager to join….however 

Done deal: After confirming the signing of Granit Xhaka, Sunderland has now reached another agreement to sign £35m player who is eager to join….however

After Granit Xhaka approach, Sunderland now submit bid to sign £35m player who is eager to join

Despite losing Jobe Bellingham and Tom Watson, Sunderland are still having an exciting summer in the transfer market.

 

The Black Cats have given themselves a real chance of Premier League survival with the signings of Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava and the addition of Enzo Le Fee on a permanent basis.

TBR Football understand Sunderland have also made Granit Xhaka an offer as Regis Le Bris aims to add some experience to his youthful group.

 

Now, Sunderland are looking to sign Bafode Diakite as well as the Switzerland international.

 

Sunderland bid for Bafode Diakite

L’Equipe now state that Sunderland have made a €27m (£23.3m) bid for the centre-back, with Bournemouth submitting the same offer as the Cherries aim to replace Dean Huijsen.

The French news outlet believe Lille want €40m (£35m) for Diakite, but there is encouragement for Sunderland in the fact that the 24-year-old is keen to move to the Premier League.

 

L’Equipe add that Bournemouth have already agreed personal terms with the Frenchman, but he would be equally happy to join Sunderland.

The French news outlet believe Lille want €40m (£35m) for Diakite, but there is encouragement for Sunderland in the fact that the 24-year-old is keen to move to the Premier League.

 

Diakite has a contract with Lille running until June 2028, and it is said that the French side have no intention of lowering their £35m asking price as a result.

The man born in Toulouse made 48 appearances across all competitions last season – including ten in the UEFA Champions League – helping Lille finish fifth in Ligue 1.

Competition from Bournemouth could soon intensify

Sunderland would be wise to just cough up the £35m asking price if they plan to make a second bid for Diakite, as Bournemouth will soon have more cash – and an even stronger need for a new central defender.

Not only has Huijsen left to join Real Madrid in a £50m deal, but PSG are also pushing to sign Illia Zabarnyi, who Chelsea like, from the Cherries as well – the Ukraine international has a £61m price tag.

 

If Sunderland have failed to sign Diakite before this sale materialises as expected, Bournemouth would surely be clear frontrunners for his signature, especially as they have already agreed personal terms with the Lille star.

Granit Xhaka makes key Sunderland decision as former Arsenal star receives interest across the Premier League

Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka is open to moving back to the Premier League with newly promoted Sunderland making him an offer, TBR Football can reveal.

 

During his time at Arsenal, Granit Xhaka made 297 appearances in red, a stint in England that was often embroiled in controversy.