£63m transfer trio: Fabrizio Romano says Leeds United ‘to push’ as Sunderland pursue Muharemović | OneFootball

Sunderland face a pivotal week over Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemović as Leeds United intensify their push. Fabrizio Romano reports Leeds have made a verbal contract offer to the 23-year-old and are confident, with Bournemouth and Sunderland in the race.

Talks with Sassuolo are expected to move forward this week. Sky Sport Italia claims Muharemović must now choose between those three Premier League clubs.

Sassuolo reportedly want €40 million, about £34 million, and Juventus are understood to be due 50 per cent of any sale after allowing his move. There is no sign Sunderland have an agreement, and the coming days will show if they compete with Leeds and Bournemouth.

Sunderland have also been linked with Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji. Reports in Spain say enquiries are from Sunderland, Leeds, Brighton, Fulham and Aston Villa, plus Juventus, Ajax, Marseille and Porto among more than 10 suitors.

Barcelona are open to a loan or permanent exit, possibly a sale with a buy-back clause. His estimated value is €15 million to €25 million, roughly £12.8 million to £21.3 million, a valuation rather than a set asking price.

Nicolò Schira claims Sunderland are interested in Angers left-back Jacques Ekomié, with Beşiktaş and Hamburg credited. The 22-year-old made 18 Ligue 1 appearances and two in the French Cup last season, and has 112 senior games with one goal, his estimated value about €9 million, roughly £7.7 million.

Of the three, Muharemović looks the most advanced, while Bardghji and Ekomié remain earlier-stage links.

Source: Sunderland Echo