Sunderland ‘linked with’ Paraguay World Cup midfielder amid Kylian Mbappe controversy | OneFootball

Sunderland are being linked with Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza following Paraguay's ill-tempered World Cup last-16 defeat by France. SportDog reports that Sunderland have an interest, although it names Olympiakos and Getafe as frontrunners, with Monza and Strasbourg also in the frame.

The tie turned fractious early, with Galarza involved in a first-half clash with Kylian Mbappe that pundit Joe Hart felt could have drawn a red card. Later, Real Madrid forward Mbappe scored from the spot, the only goal of the game.

Paraguay started current Black Cats star Omar Alderete and former Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron, but the fallout centred on their spoiling tactics, widely criticised as gamesmanship intended to disrupt France.

Didier Deschamps said he would not criticise the referee or Paraguay, noted his team finished with three bookings amid numerous flashpoints, said he could do without insults, and stressed that a calm finish and qualification were what mattered.

Galarza, 24, plays for CA Talleres and previously spent two years with Genk, featuring in qualifying rounds for the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League. He has more than two years left on his Talleres deal.

Source: Sunderland Echo