Fabrizio Romano: Leeds ‘enter race’ with Sunderland for £34m Sassuolo defender | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano says Leeds United have entered the chase for Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović, with Sunderland and Bournemouth having made contact in recent weeks. Sunderland want to add a centre-back to Régis Le Bris’ squad this summer, and Juventus retain a 50 per cent sell-on clause that could shape any deal.

Romano’s update stops short of indicating a formal Sunderland bid, but it underlines active interest in the 23-year-old. Separately, Italian reporter Nicolò Schira claims four Premier League clubs are keen, naming Sunderland, Leeds, Newcastle United and Bournemouth.

Schira values Muharemović at about €40million, roughly £34.1million, and says Sunderland are preparing to open talks over a package of €35million to €40million, around £29.8million to £34.1million. These remain reported figures rather than confirmed terms.

He also reports an offer to the defender of a deal to 2031 worth €3.5million per year plus bonuses, equating to about £3million annually, or roughly £57,000 a week before bonuses.

Any move is complicated by Juventus’ position, because the Turin club would be due half of any fee under their sell-on clause and could also hold leverage if they sought to re-sign him. Muharemović played 32 times for Sassuolo last season, 31 in Serie A, scoring twice, and is a left-footed Bosnia and Herzegovina international under contract to 2031.

Source: Sunderland Echo