Sunderland links in summer window as Granit Xhaka interest persists | OneFootball

Sunderland have been linked with a lengthy cast during the summer window, which has been open for just under a month, and there is still no first signing.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats are preparing for their first ever Europa League campaign and accept Regis Le Bris’ squad must be strengthened to cope with an increasingly hectic fixture schedule.

So far, only departures are confirmed. Harrison Jones has joined Peterborough United, and Milan Aleksic has completed a loan to Partizan. Dennis Cirkin, Dan Neil, Bertrand Traore and Niall Huggins became free agents on Wednesday as their contracts ended.

Attention also rests on captain Granit Xhaka, who continues to be linked with Premier League rivals. Sunderland have rejected an £8m offer for the former Arsenal midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether the Blues return with a significantly higher bid.

Goalkeepers: none reported. Defenders linked: Oscar Mingueza, Lutsharel Geertruida, Michael Parker, Enzo Boyomo, Mariano Troilo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Viery, Jhon Lucumi.

Midfielders linked: Yassine Titraoui, Arne Engels, Kephren Thuram, Arthur Avom, Hayden Hackney, Christ Inao Oulaï, Lamare Bogarde, Jakob Breum, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Harvey Elliott, Soufian El-Faouzi, Frank Anguissa.

Wingers linked: Andre Luiz, Victor Munoz, Roony Bardghji, Chidera Ejuke, Issahaku Fatawu, Amad Diallo. Strikers linked: Folarin Balogun, Matthis Abline, Jay Stansfield, Rumarn Burrell. The list will significantly grow before the window closes in September.

Source: Sunderland Echo