00:00Hello, this is Jason Jones from the Sunderland Echo with a round-up with the latest Black Cats transfer news and speculation for you.
00:08I'll start with Granit Xhaka, obviously a huge topic of conversation on Wearside at the present moment in time.
00:13In recent days, Sunderland have been repeatedly linked with a move for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder,
00:18and it would appear that the Black Cats may actually have received something for a boost in their efforts to sign him.
00:22Various reports are suggesting that Neom SC, a Saudi club who have also been linked with Xhaka in recent days,
00:27have dropped out of the race for a signature.
00:30And because of that, Sunderland and Turkish club Fenerbahce are now seen as two of the frontrunners for his services this summer.
00:37Still not clear how much Leverkusen will be willing to sell Xhaka for.
00:40There are some suggestions that it could be as little as £8.7 million,
00:43while some reports in Germany are suggesting that Leverkusen will hold out for as much as £17 million.
00:49Elsewhere, French title L'Equipe are reporting that both Sunderland and Bournemouth have had bids of around £23.3 million
00:55rejected for Lille defender by Fodé Diakite.
00:59The 24-year-old defender made 14 Champions League appearances last season and is under contract in France until 2028.
01:06It's understood that his current employers are looking for a fee somewhere closer to £35 million this summer.
01:11Diakite himself has understood with an express desire to move to the Premier League sooner rather than later.
01:16Over in Italy, reported Sunderland transfer target Armand Lorientis sent one out of current club, Sassuolo.
01:24The winger played a key part in his side's promotion back to Serie A last season,
01:28but it's understood that he's ideally looking to be on the move over the coming weeks.
01:31Sunderland have reportedly already made contact with Sassuolo over a possible deal for the player,
01:36but it's understood that the Italian club will hold now for a fee upwards of £25 million for their star asset.
01:41Closer to home, online outlet Football Insider are suggesting that Sunderland could be willing to sanction an exit for Alan Brown this summer.
01:49The midfielder joined the Black Cats from Preston North End this time last year,
01:53but spent a large part of his debut campaign on Wearside sidelined after breaking his leg back in November.
01:59With no Siddiqui and Habib Diara already coming through the door at the Stadium of Light,
02:03and with other midfield targets like Granit Xhaka repeatedly being linked with moves to the North East,
02:07it's understood that Brown could struggle for game time in the Premier League,
02:10and as such, Sunderland may be willing to allow him to leave the club over the coming weeks.
02:16Finally, something of an interesting one from the Netherlands,
02:19PSV Eindhoven have confirmed the sale of Johan back to your court at German side RB Leipzig today.
02:25This could be relevant to Sunderland because various sources have suggested that the Dutch side could turn their attention to Romain Mundell
02:31as a potential replacement for the Belgian winger.
02:33With that in mind, Sunderland is said to be preparing a contract offer to Mundell
02:38in an effort to fend off interest from not just PSV,
02:41but a number of suitors from both the continent and the Premier League.
02:44Absolutely.
02:44Good to see you guys.
02:44Good to see you.
02:45I hope you enjoy the next few minutes.
03:04Good to see you.
03:04Goodbye.
03:07Good to see you.
03:08Good to see you.
03:10Go ahead.
03:11Good to see you today.
03:11Because I think it's a great holiday.
03:12I hope to see you.
03:12Goodbye.
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