Sunderland linked with £39m duo, Lutsharel Geertruida latest as Hull ‘to weigh up’ Dan Neil move | OneFootball

Sunderland have been linked with two overseas signings worth about £39m, with fresh developments on Lutsharel Geertruida and Dan Neil also emerging. Florent Ghisolfi is preparing for a major window to bolster Régis Le Bris’ squad for Premier League and Europa League commitments.

The Black Cats have been credited with interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic. Roma are said to have renewed contacts over the Bosnia youth international after Gian Piero Gasperini’s approval, with Leverkusen having triggered a buy-back following his season with Salzburg and his national team. A fee of around €30million, about £25.9million, has been mentioned and the player is thought to favour working under Gasperini.

Sunderland are also among the clubs said to have made enquiries for Grêmio defender Viery. Roma, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Brighton are all linked, while Fiorentina and Juventus reportedly saw approaches rejected. Grêmio are understood to want more than €15million, around £13million, plus a future sell-on or added value, with Viery’s 27 appearances, two goals and ability to play centre-back and left-back drawing interest.

De Telegraaf reports that Geertruida would have considered a Feyenoord return if Robin van Persie had stayed in charge, but his departure has altered the picture. The defender spent last season on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig and that deal has ended. His future remains one to watch.

Oxford United, Wigan Athletic and York City are reportedly competing to sign Zak Johnson. The England youth international excelled on loan at York, helping them win promotion from the National League, and may seek minutes elsewhere given Sunderland’s rising first-team competition.

TEAMtalk claims Hull City are weighing up a move for former Sunderland captain Dan Neil. The report states Rangers have held active talks and are hopeful, with Hull potentially entering the race to frustrate Middlesbrough and Rangers. Neil’s expected exit is a major summer storyline after he captained the club back to the Premier League.

Source: Sunderland Echo