(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Shay Given was once blown away by 'lightning' player Sunderland want to sign

Josh Edwards

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at FanHub and the Sunderland Echo; Sunderland University graduate. FOCUS Transfer analysis and breaking news across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Josh utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, first-to-market transfer reporting. He provides the deal detail behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Sunderland's latest target has received the seal of approval from Shay Given.

Sunderland's transfer business this summer has blown everyone on Wearside away, with Nordi Mukiele the latest arrival at the Stadium of Light.

However, the Black Cats are far from done yet, having lodged an official bid to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna after several weeks of interest.

The Colombian is likely to be the last piece of the defensive jigsaw for Sunderland, who also have their sights set on an exciting, young attacking talent.

Regis Le Bris at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland boss, Regis Le Bris (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland want to sign Abdul Fatawu

The Black Cats have already bolstered their wide attacking options with the signings of Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi, both of whom registered an assist in Sunderland's 3-0 win over West Ham on the opening day.

However, they are looking to add more having now made a bid to sign Leicester's Abdul Fatawu, believed to be in the region of £28million, according to talkSPORT on 18 August.

The 21-year-old had an outstanding campaign in the Championship, but struggled to produce the goods in the following season in the Premier League, though Given was impressed with the attributes he had on offer.

Speaking via Match of the Day back when the Foxes were in the Premier League, he said: "This guy is absolutely lightning; he's a brilliant player to come off the bench. He probably should be starting; he's a brilliant talent."

Leicester are yet to respond to Sunderland's bid for the winger, but it's expected that the Foxes will be holding out for a higher fee given the importance he holds in their squad.

Sunderland badge at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland are back in the Premier League (Credit: Imago)

Fatawu would amplify Sunderland's AFCON concerns

Sunderland already have several players set to depart for AFCON in December, and Fatawu would be another to add to the list.

While the Black Cats will be hoping to pick up as many points as possible in the early stages, it is a huge risk given how many players they will be without.

Players leaving for AFCON

  • Chemsdine Talbi
  • Habib Diarra
  • Reinildo
  • Noah Sadiki
  • Arthur Masuaku
  • Simon Adingra

Club-record signing Habib Diarra and Adingra are just two of six current players expected to head to the competition.

That would leave Sunderland with just Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle as wide attacking options, with the former still currently out injured after surgery.

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