Championship club enter race for ‘significant’ Triantis Sunderland transfer
Sunderland are waiting to find out which league they will be in next season, with their first play-off game against Coventry on Friday.
The summer transfer window will likely differ for the Black Cats depending on which league they are competing in, so there is not too much movement in the North East yet.
However, other sides are already putting their own plans in place and Nectarios Triantis is one Sunderland man who is attracting interest.
Portsmouth set to enter race for Triantis
Triantis has spent the season on loan with Hibernian, where he has impressed.
The 21-year-old has been a regular part of the Scottish Premiership outfit, gaining plenty of minutes.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 31 | 3 | 6 |
Although the midfielder is under contract at the Stadium of Light, there are questions being asked of his future as he seeks to continue playing regular football.
It had been reported that Hibernian are keen on exploring the potential to strike a permanent deal with their loanee, while Rangers have also been backed to go for a deal.
However, according to the Daily Record (9 May), Portsmouth have now entered the race to secure the Australian’s signature in the summer transfer window.
The report states that the South Coast outfit were previously keen on Triantis before he joined Hibernian and have been impressed by his season in Scotland.
However, if Sunderland are to let him leave the North East this summer, a “significant” fee would be required.
Sunderland have a big decision to make on Triantis
Sunderland have to put all of their focus into the Championship play-offs before making any core decisions on the future of their players.
If the Black Cats do gain promotion to the Premier League, then that leaves Triantis highly unlikely to get minutes in red and white next season.
However, Sunderland’s ambitions will remain high in the Championship too and Regis Le Bris will have to make a call over where the youngster’s current level is.
The Black Cats are under no pressure to sell, which gives a good level of control, allowing for Sunderland’s own interests to be protected.
Nevertheless, a loan deal could also be an ideal outcome to allow for further development while Sunderland don’t have to lose their asset at this stage.
Adil Aouchiche spent the season on loan at Fratton Park, meaning a relationship is there, but a decision would have to be made over whether the Championship or the Scottish Premiership would push Triantis further.