Neil El Aynaoui price drops as concern emerges for Sunderland already - Exclusive

Sunderland have made several additions to the hub of their midfield after selling Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund.

Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra were acquired for an initial £45million, while Enzo Le Fee turned his loan deal into a permanent stay.

Although Jordan Henderson was hotly tipped for a return to the Stadium of Light, he has since signed for Brentford.

However, the Black Cats have continued to be linked with central midfielders, with Neil El Aynaoui next.

Sunderland given El Aynaoui warning amid interest

Sunderland have been credited with interest in RC Lens midfielder El Aynaoui, but face competition to sign him.

Leeds United, Juventus, and AC Milan are also keen, while AS Roma bid £17.2million for the 24-year-old.

French football expert Luke Entwistle, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, has provided fresh insight into the player.

"El Aynaoui is a player I've watched a decent amount of, but lots of people see more than I do in him as a player," he said.

"He's had an interesting route. He came from basically amateur football, only a couple of years ago, and arrived at Lens for a very nominal fee.

"Everyone thought he'd be a bit part player, and ended up playing in their Champions League campaign and was probably the best element in that particular area of their midfield.

"He's tidy, he's combative. He has a good interpretation of space and a good awareness of danger, so he's a good screener.

"El Aynaoui is one of those players who fall into the category of, you see him more when he's not on the pitch, almost because you lack the protection that he brings.

"He's not necessarily the most adventurous going forward. He's not necessarily the player to unlock a defence with a pass, but he is a player who is really, really tidy, and he can make things tick in deeper areas.

"There are a few question marks about his fitness. He missed the start of last season and failed his medical with Monaco last summer with a knee injury that they decided not to operate on, and he did have a few injury issues throughout the campaign.

"That knocked a bit off his value, but they're still looking at probably about £21.7-26million, given that they're a team that are going to be trying to get back into the European places next season.

"There is no obligation for Nice to sell massively, so higher price."

Black Cats must move players on to accommodate El Aynaoui

While Sunderland may be eyeing more additions in central midfield, they currently have a surplus of options.

Of course, players like Pierre Ekwah, Nectarios Triantis, and Jay Matete are expected to be moved on, meaning space should be freed up.

However, the Wearsiders should prioritise strengthening the core of their defence, where they are lacking in quality options.

Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest,
breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.