Sunderland are accelerating their late-window business, with TeamTalk reporting that Igor Paixao is now one of the club’s leading priorities as Regis Le Bris looks to sharpen his squad before the deadline. The headline detail is encouraging, “Personal terms are already in place” and an “overall fee is close to being agreed”, even if Marseille are still trying to retain the Brazilian.
This feels like a significant push from Sunderland. The club have been clear in the market that they want added quality in the final third, and Paixao appears to be the name moving fastest. TeamTalk add that Marseille “need to raise funds to satisfy financial regulations” and that “Paixao’s situation remains one to watch as Sunderland push to get the deal over the line”. Those are the sort of conditions that can create an opportunity late in the window, provided negotiations remain steady.
Igor Paixao heads Sunderland shortlist
There are, however, other attacking names under consideration. Sunderland “made an approach for Sporting winger Geny Catamo”, but his “near-£50million asking price has so far put the Black Cats off making another move”. The club have also “spoken to Roma about Matias Soule as they assess alternatives before the window closes”. Even so, the report is firm that “Paixao remains a key target”.
Defensive options include Kevin Danso and Tosin Adarabioyo
Sunderland’s work is not confined to the forward line. TeamTalk say the Black Cats “are also working on another central defender” and have “enquired about Tottenham’s Kevin Danso”. They have also “asked about Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo”, with both players described as experienced options. There is competition, with Fulham also making checks, so this is a situation that may move quickly in the closing days.
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The immediate sense is of a club trying to balance ambition with pragmatism. Sunderland want attacking improvement first, but they are also alive…
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