Sunderland ‘show interest’ in Paraguay World Cup midfielder Matias Galarza after Kylian Mbappe flashpoint | OneFootball

Sunderland are among European clubs linked with Paraguay World Cup midfielder Matias Galarza after the controversial round-of-16 defeat to France, decided by a Kylian Mbappe penalty.

According to SportDog, Sunderland have an interest in the 24-year-old, with Olympiakos and Getafe viewed as the leading contenders, while Monza and Strasbourg are also in the race. The report adds he has more than two years left on his CA Talleres contract.

Galarza plays in Argentina for CA Talleres. He previously spent two years with Belgian side Genk, featuring in qualifying rounds of the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Paraguay’s approach drew criticism for gamesmanship. Galarza was picked out for a first-half coming together with Mbappe that BBC pundit Joe Hart felt could have been a red card. Their starting line-up included Sunderland’s Omar Alderete and former Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron.

France coach Didier Deschamps declined to criticise the referee or Paraguay’s tactics, though he said he could have done without insults. He noted there were no incidents at the end and stressed the priority was qualification.

Source: Sunderland Echo