Sunderland Enter £21.8M Transfer Battle With Inter Milan and Roma

The Black Cats are casting their nets for a prized catch in Greece.

Sunderland have opened talks with Olympiacos to sign Lorenzo Pirola, a 23-year-old center-back who is also of interest to Inter Milan and Roma.

FootItalia reports that the Lads board have given the green light to begin negotiations to bring the Italian to the Stadium of Light.

The mentioned outlet states that Pirola has become the English club’s number 1 priority regarding defensive targets.

Besides Sunderland, Serie A sides Inter Milan and Roma have also shown interest in signing the young player, as explained by the Sunderland Echo.

Sunderland enter £21.8m transfer battle for Olympiacos’ Lorenzo Pirola

“Sources confirmed that the Mackems are interested in bringing Lorenzo Pirola to the Stadium of Light,” Ben Horlock began writing in FootItalia.

“In fact, contact has already been made with Olympiacos as Regis Le Bris aims to secure Pirola’s signature (…) The 23-year-old star is his No.1 priority,” he added.

Lorenzo Pirola has played 33 matches with Olympiacos since arriving in Greek football in 2024, featuring in League, Cup, and UEFA Europa League games.

Despite having a market value of €6m according to Transfermarkt, FootItalia explains that the Greek champions wouldn’t listen to offers below €25m, that is, around £21.8m.

“Sunderland have the cash to splash but our sources have informed us that a deal for €20m up front with performance-related add-ons is more feasible for the Black Cats,” added the mentioned outlet.

Another defensive name recently linked to Sunderland is Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi (27).

According to Quotidiano Sportivo, the Black Cats are ready to improve their offer for the Colombian, proposing a €22m package including bonuses, thus approaching the €25m demanded by the Serie A club.

Lucumi has also been linked by TBR Football with other Premier League teams, such as Leeds United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Brighton, Brentford, and Crystal Palace.

Leeds United could get 105-goal striker for free this summer after latest development

A striker seems to be very high priority for Leeds United this summer. The club have spent most of the window recruiting for the midfield and the defence.

Sources claim this was deliberate from the club as they felt those positions needed to be resolved quickly before deciding how much can be spent on attacking additions. Lyon keeper Lucas Perri has completed his medical, and is expected to be announced in the next few hours.

Lukas Nmecha has been the only signing up top, and with Patrick Bamford out of the plans for next season, Leeds could very well be in the market for a replacement.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi was on Leeds United’s radar. The 33-year old joined the Italian club on a free transfer, but failed to nail down a regular place. It is reported that he is looking for a way out this summer.

But during his last interview, he maintained his stance that he is happy to stay:

“I have a contract with Inter, and if they allow me, I will stay with this team,”

Globo Esporte in Brazil are reporting that Taremi’s proposed move to Botafogo has fallen through due to wage demands. The striker will now have to look at other options.

Inter could let Taremi move for free this summer

Reports claim that the 33-year old is not in Inzaghi’s plans this season, with the club eyeing moves for two other strikers. It is very much likely that Inter get their targets, meaning Taremi will need to find a way out.

Gazzetta dello Sport (via FCInterNews) are now reporting that the striker could be allowed to leave on a free transfer. If a club manages to agree terms with Taremi, Inter will not demand a transfer fee.

Striker unlikely to choose a move to England

Reports suggest that Taremi is likely to remain in Europe. He wants to continue at the top level, and a move to a newly promoted club like Leeds will be very unlikely.

He is not a priority target for the Whites, who are still monitoring Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz. The London club are aware of the interest, but Leeds are yet to make another bid since they made an offer early in June.