Sunderland news round-up: Nayef Aguerd latest as contract offer in pipeline
Sunderland will be keen to make further signings after a busy start to the summer.
The Black Cats have been highly active in the window to this point, having already added six fresh faces to their side at the Stadium of Light.
That won’t turn Regis Le Bris away from bringing in more star names to add to his squad, ready for what is bound to be a difficult Premier League campaign.
This has seen Nayef Aguerd be linked with a north east switch as Mackem News brings a round-up of the latest transfer news on 13 July.
Ian Poveda set to leave Sunderland
After securing what was seen to many as a shock play-off final win against Sheffield United, exits were always going to be likely for squad players.
Unfortunately for Poveda, he finds himself within that group which is likely to be let go if appropriate offers come in this summer.
With that being said, Le Bris has spoken out to confirm where the future of the 25-year-old lies alongside Joe Anderson, Nazariy Rusyn, Abdoullah Ba, Jay Matete and Luis Hemir.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo (July 13), the Frenchman admitted, “Yes, absolutely [they can leave].
“We split the squad with the players who really need to find game time. For the others, it’s fair to say we need to assess their level right now, assess the squad and see after that.”
This could certainly point towards a mass exodus from SR5 in the coming weeks, with the former Leeds United man set for the chopping block himself.
Sunderland handed major Aguerd transfer boost
The Black Cats have shown a keen interest in the Morocco international and have already held a meeting with West Ham over a potential deal.
This hasn’t stopped Roma from making a failed approach to land the centre-back who is liked by Florent Ghisolfi and Co. at the Stadium of Light.
Gianluca Di Marzio have reported (12 July) that the Hammers have knocked back an approach from the Serie A giants as they would prefer a permanent exit as opposed to another loan.
This could prove to be the perfect opportunity for the Mackems to land the 29-year-old, who could see a £7million bid be tabled in the coming days or weeks.
Sunderland to offer Chris Rigg new contract
Having already lost Jobe Bellingham this summer, the Black Cats won’t want to wave goodbye to any more of their top talent.
Arguably, the jewel in the crown right now is Rigg, the local lad who has become a regular in red and white stripes despite his tender age.
| Stat | Chris Rigg |
| Appearances | 72 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 1 |
It appears that the hierarchy in SR5 wants to reward his ability with a new deal that could see him become one of the highest-paid teenagers in top-flight football.
The Sun on Sunday have reported (13 July, pg59) that his current wage is believed to be £20,000 per week, with a new deal potentially set to double those wages.
Despite interest from other top division sides like Everton, it appears that the local lad is going to remain where he belongs for the upcoming campaign.