Matias Soulé drops seven-word update as £30million Sunderland pursuit gathers pace | OneFootball

Matias Soulé has reopened debate over his Roma future with a seven-word response on his return for pre-season, amid links to a £30million Sunderland move.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 23-year-old, questioned at the airport, said he did not know if he would stay at Roma.

He said he had only just arrived and declined to send a message to supporters, remarks likely to fuel talk of a summer exit as Régis Le Bris targets the right flank.

Italian reports had pointed to only a tentative enquiry, but the picture now seems to have shifted, with agent Martin Guastadisegno reported to have travelled to England for talks with Sunderland and Fulham.

Roma are thought to want around €35million, roughly £30million, for the former Juventus winger. His book value is said to be about €15.5million, so a sale at that price would yield a sizeable profit.

Separate reports say Soulé would seriously consider a Sunderland approach and is attracted by the Premier League. Sunderland can also offer Europa League football after finishing seventh last season, though Fulham and others could compete.

Soulé joined Roma from Juventus two summers ago for an initial €26million, about £22million, after they beat Leicester City. He made 41 appearances last term, scoring seven and assisting eight as Roma returned to the Champions League. Sunderland transfer chief Florent Ghisolfi helped bring him to Roma, a link that could aid any pursuit.

Source: Sunderland Echo