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

According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid could block Sunderland moves for Thiago Pitarch and Victor Munoz, with 18-year-old Pitarch now part of the senior set-up and seen as central to the club's long-term plans, and Madrid able to trigger a buy-back to re-sign Osasuna winger Munoz after his Spain debut goal in a 3-0 win over Serbia, while Sunderland retain strong ties with the club and are exploring other emerging talents.

Sunderland have already secured Premier League safety with recent wins against Leeds United and Newcastle United, and are shaping their summer plans under head coach Regis Le Bris.

A push for European football remains on the agenda, and a top seven finish would surely be enough to ensure continental competition for only the second time in their history and the first since 1973, when Bob Stokoe's side entered the Cup Winners Cup.

Activity is expected in the close-season, though a repeat of last summer's hectic recruitment before their top-flight return would be a surprise.

The focus now is on sustaining momentum and closing out what has already been a memorable campaign on a high.

Source: Sunderland Echo