Sunderland focus on Igor Paixao as Jack Grealish hopes fade ahead of deadline | OneFootball

Sunderland are pushing to strengthen before Tuesday night’s deadline, with Igor Paixao a leading target and defensive cover under review. According to Sunderland Echo, hopes of signing Jack Grealish have faded.

Everton are advancing talks over another loan for the 30-year-old Manchester City attacker, who is understood to prefer a return after last season. TalkSPORT reports Everton could cover up to 90 per cent of his wages, and Fabrizio Romano says negotiations are advanced and the player wants the move. Sunderland explored the deal, but now look unlikely to win the race.

Paixao remains one of Sunderland’s strongest pursuits. The 26-year-old Marseille winger is open to the move, talks continue and he was left out of the latest squad. Marseille paid €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses last summer, about £25.7 million rising to £30 million, and French reports suggest they want a profit.

Lyon’s Malick Fofana has also been linked, though this sits largely in external reporting. Foot Mercato reports Sunderland are among the admirers of the 21-year-old Belgium international, who is said to have turned down Hull City. Figures discussed have ranged from €35 million to at least €40 million, roughly £30 million to £34 million.

Fulham are in talks with Roma over Matias Soule, per Sky Sport Italia, after both clubs were linked earlier in the summer when the price was a little over €35 million, around £30 million. There is a Sunderland thread through sporting director Florent Ghisolfi’s past at Roma, but there is no recent indication the Black Cats are actively pursuing him.

Sunderland would like another defender if the right deal appears, and Tottenham centre-back Kevin Danso is a profile they have explored. Spurs rejected a loan enquiry for the 27-year-old Austria international and previously paid about £21 million to sign him from Lens. This is not advanced, but it underlines the level being targeted.

Everton have been linked with Trai Hume, yet Sunderland have no interest in a sale and the 24-year-old is under contract to 2030. Hume remains central to Regis Le Bris’s plans as the club balance Premier League and Europa League commitments.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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