Matias Soulé issues seven-word update as £30m Sunderland pursuit gathers pace | OneFootball

Matias Soulé has cast fresh uncertainty over his Roma future, telling reporters, "Will I stay? Honestly, I don't know," after returning to Italy for pre-season.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Argentine winger was asked at the airport about staying and declined to address Roma fans, a response that has stoked talk amid Sunderland interest under Régis Le Bris.

Initial chatter in Italy suggested only a tentative enquiry, yet the picture appears to have moved, with agent Martin Guastadisegno reportedly in England for meetings with Sunderland and Fulham.

Roma are believed to seek about €35 million, roughly £30 million, and his remaining book value is around €15.5 million, so a sale at that price would deliver a healthy profit.

Separate reports indicate Soulé would seriously consider an approach from Sunderland and is attracted by the Premier League. Europa League football after a seventh-place finish could also appeal, although Fulham and others are competing.

Soulé joined Roma from Juventus two summers ago for an initial €26 million after they beat Leicester City to his signature. He made 41 appearances last season, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists as Roma returned to the Champions League. Sunderland's transfer chief Florent Ghisolfi helped bring him to Roma, a relationship that could aid any move.

Source: Sunderland Echo