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

Liverpool are among Premier League clubs tracking Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida ahead of the summer window.

TEAMtalk reports that Aston Villa, Everton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also keeping tabs, with any deal likely to be around £20 million. Sunderland retain an option to make his loan permanent at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old, on loan from RB Leipzig, has made 27 appearances across all competitions this campaign. While that option gives Sunderland leverage, any outcome could hinge on the player’s preference amid interest at home and abroad.

Liverpool explored a January move during a defensive injury crisis, with Arne Slot and his recruitment team viewing the Dutch international, whom he previously coached at Feyenoord, as a short-term solution. Sunderland’s failure to source a replacement before deadline day prevented a deal.

Slot later said they had tried to strengthen in winter, that Geertruida was not available, and that such an addition would have helped.

Sunderland head coach Le Bris has praised the defender’s versatility and value to the squad, while recognising his desire to start regularly. He added that the World Cup is part of the player’s thinking and that transfer windows bring rumours and opportunities.

Source: Sunderland Echo