Chelsea 'most likely to do a deal' for Sunderland-linked Kerim Alajbegovic, Poku 'set' for England | OneFootball

Chelsea are considered front-runners to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who has been linked with Sunderland. The Telegraph reports Chelsea are "most likely to do a deal" with Leverkusen. It adds that Xabi Alonso is looking to raid his old club for one of their brightest talents.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina teenager featured in all four of his nation’s World Cup matches in North America and scored in a 3-1 win over Qatar. Sunderland had been credited with interest.

Sunderland’s only addition so far is Belgium international Thomas Meunier, who has signed a two-year contract after leaving Lille earlier this summer, ahead of their maiden Europa League campaign.

Separately, Bayer Leverkusen are said to be open to talks over winger Ernest Poku, who has also been linked with Sunderland and Nottingham Forest. Bild claims the club have taken a surprise turn and are now ready to hold discussions during the final six weeks of the window.

Poku, 22, produced six goals and 10 assists in 49 appearances last season and had been expected to feature in the new campaign. Leverkusen are now described as willing to sell the 21-times capped Netherlands Under-21 player for about £22m.

Sunderland and Forest have been suggested as possible destinations, and Bild adds Poku is "set for a move to England" before the window closes in early September.

Source: Sunderland Echo