Sunderland ‘in talks’ over near-£30m Matías Soulé, Florent Ghisolfi link cited | OneFootball

Sunderland have held talks with Matías Soulé’s agent as Roma await an official offer for the Argentine winger. Romanews.eu reports that the 23-year-old’s representative has made concrete contact with both Sunderland and Fulham, and that Roma want about €35million, roughly £29.8million.

The two Premier League clubs would need to approach Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico with a proposal that meets that valuation. Soulé is said to have no interest in joining a side without European football next season, a stance that would point to Sunderland over Fulham. Régis Le Bris’ team are preparing for the Europa League after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season.

Sunderland’s director of football, Florent Ghisolfi, is understood to know Soulé from his time at Roma, providing a useful connection should the Black Cats choose to formalise their interest.

Soulé is expected to become one of the most sought-after players this summer. Early contact appears encouraging for Sunderland, but there is a sizeable gap between talks with an agent and satisfying Roma’s demands.

The next key step will be whether Sunderland or Fulham submit an official bid during the current transfer window.

Source: Sunderland Echo