Real Madrid ‘to block’ Sunderland moves for Victor Munoz and Thiago Pitarch | OneFootball

TeamTalk reports that Real Madrid could block Sunderland approaches for Victor Munoz and Thiago Pitarch this summer.

Sunderland are planning their window after securing Premier League status with recent wins over Leeds United and Newcastle United. Activity is expected, though a repeat of last summer's volume of signings appears unlikely.

A push for Europe remains live. A top seven finish would likely deliver only the club's second continental campaign, and their first since 1973 in the Cup Winners Cup.

Pitarch, an 18-year-old attacking midfielder, was said to be open to a move to Sunderland and featured on a target list. He has since stepped into Real's senior set-up and is now regarded as central to their long-term planning, the report says.

Munoz, now at Osasuna, is tied to a Real buy-back clause. Real are monitoring him after a maiden Spain call-up and a debut goal in a 3-0 friendly win over Serbia. Sunderland were reportedly rebuffed after offering more than £20m, with suggestions any deal hinges on a £35m release clause.

The report adds Real are ready to trigger the clause to take Munoz back to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Despite that setback, Sunderland are said to retain strong ties with Real and continue to assess other emerging talents as their recruitment drive continues.

Source: Sunderland Echo