Sunderland ahead of Leeds in race to sign versatile star in cut-price move

Sunderland are reportedly among the “best placed” clubs to complete the signing of an “unbelievable” player in the summer transfer window.

It has been a summer to remember for the Black Cats, with as many as 11 permanent signings coming in, bolstering Regis Le Bris’ squad significantly. Now, a new rumour has claimed that Sunderland have submitted an offer for Leicester City attacker Abdu Fatawu, who is viewed as a primary transfer target in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.

While the £27m bid has reportedly been rejected, there is still hope that the Black Cats could still complete a move for Fatawu in the coming weeks.

It promises to be a busy period for Sunderland, who will also hope to continue their promising start to the Premier League season, and now another key update has emerged regarding a separate transfer target.

Sunderland in pole to beat Leeds to Uche signing

According to AS [via Sport Witness], Sunderland are one of the “best placed” clubs to sign Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche this summer. He is available for a cut-price amount of £17.2m, despite having a £21.5m release clause. Leeds United are also in the mix to sign the 22-year-old, while Getafe president Jose Bordalas has offered further encouragement by admitting that certain players may need to be sold.

“We’ll have to release some so we can register all or almost all of them. I wouldn’t like Uche or anyone to leave, but we have to accept the offers we have, and there are several.”

Uche has the potential to be another strong addition for Sunderland before the window closes, as scout Jacek Kulig lauded him as “unbelievable” earlier this year, and if they could pip Premier League rivals Leeds to his signature, it would feel even sweeter.

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The fact that Getafe could be forced to sell the two-cap Nigeria international is an extra bonus for the Black Cats, and he will hopefully like what is going on at the Stadium of Light currently, not least the amount of ambitious transfer business.

Capable of playing as a number 8, 10 or even up front, Uche would add quality and youth to Sunderland’s midfield, with his versatility increasing the depth at the manager’s disposal.