Liverpool and Aston Villa ‘to target’ £20m Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida | OneFootball

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool and Aston Villa are monitoring Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Dutch international drawing interest across the Premier League.

The 25-year-old is on loan from RB Leipzig and has made 27 appearances this season. Sunderland hold an option to buy. The report also lists Everton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace among admirers.

Any deal would be worth about £20 million, the report said, whether finalised by Sunderland or another club. The Black Cats have leverage via their option, although the player's preference could be decisive, with opportunities outside England also noted.

Liverpool first tried to sign him in January during a defensive injury crisis. Arne Slot, who previously worked with him at Feyenoord, viewed him as short-term cover, but Sunderland lacked a replacement before the deadline.

Head coach Le Bris has praised Geertruida’s versatility and acknowledged his desire to start regularly. He also referenced the World Cup as a consideration in the player's plans.

Source: Sunderland Echo