(Credit: Hasan Karim)
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Match

Sunderland 'to take Vanat punt' with 'crazy' transfers to continue - Exclusive

Ian Darke
Ian Darke

There's not much Ian Darke hasn't seen in football. The former Sky Sports and BT Sport commentator has one of the most recognisable voices in the English game. Nowadays he commentates on matches for Fox, ABC and ESPN in the USA and we're delighted to get his expert reaction to all the latest news.

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Sunderland could add Vladyslav Vanat to their list of signings this summer.

The Ukrainian forward has been linked with a move to the Black Cats as Regis Le Bris and Co look to strengthen ahead of a return to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old notched 17 goals last season, and if he could translate that form to the English game, it would be a great move for the Stadium of Light outfit.

Sunderland target Vladyslav Vanat's strikerate in Ukraine.
Vanat's goal-scoring antics in Ukraine. (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland set for crazy transfer window

Vanat has been linked with a Sunderland move for a fee of £21.3million from Dynamo Kyiv.

Iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that signing Vanat would be a gamble, but would not be surprised as the Black Cats are set for a mad summer.

Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: "I have not seen the player, I will be honest with you.

"He got 14 goals in the league two seasons ago and then 17 this last season, those are good returns, but it is a big jump from there to the Premier League.

"I think Vanat is a punt, but it is the kind of punt that they are going to have to take.

"You trust that Sunderland have scouted him well, looked at him a lot, and think he could fit in the Premier League.

"That is the kind of area of the market that they have to operate in.

"They are being linked with a lot of players, I think Sunderland have got a lot of work to do, and I think it is going to be a crazy busy period between now and the start of the season for them.

"The team may have a very different look about it when they step out for the first game."

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris
Le Bris is expected to be active in the market. (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland need significant additions this summer

Kristjaan Speakman and Co need to give Le Bris the tools to survive in the top-flight.

So far, their business has been solid with Habib Diarra arriving from Strasbourg, Noah Sadiki coming in from Union Saint-Gilloise, and a deal agreed for Club Brugge winger Chemsdine Talbi.

They are clearly not concerned about a lack of experience in the English leagues, and Vanat could be next, and if he can score goals, it will help the Mackems to stay up.

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Vladyslav Vanat
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