Chelsea make direct approach to sign Premier League midfielder after he won at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea and Man United are both reportedly accelerating efforts to sign Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki after his stellar start to life in English football.
Sunderland spent big in the summer window as they aimed to compete with Premier League clubs following their long-awaited return to the top-flight.
Regis Le Bris focused on bolstering his midfield options, with Noah Sadiki joining Sunderland from Union SG in July for around £15million.
The DR Congo international has been key to the Black Cats’ strong start to the campaign, with starts from the middle of the park in all of their league games so far.
Sunderland face arch-rivals Newcastle on home turf this weekend before Sadiki goes to the African Cup of Nations, but he could be on his way out as soon as he returns next month following a new transfer development.
Chelsea and Man United both want Sadiki after Blues make contact
Sadiki has impressed against some big teams this season, and clearly has a bright future in the game at just 20-years-old.
Following a strong start to his time on Wearside, Sky Sport Switzerland has reported that Chelsea and Man United are fighting to sign Sadiki, with both teams deciding to accelerate a move for his services.
According to their sources, the Blues directly approached Sunderland immediately after the Black Cats beat them 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in October to find out the price asked to sign the midfielder.
United approached Sadiki’s camp prior to his move to the Stadium of Light, and he is being followed carefully by Ruben Amorim’s side as a potential alternative to Carlos Baleba.
United have scouted other midfield options as Baleba struggles at Brighton
United wanted to sign Baleba from Brighton in the summer window but instead prioritised other positions and left it too late in the day to sort out a deal.
They have continued to be linked with him ahead of the new year, but are also known to be looking at other options as he struggles to make the same impact on the south-coast this season compared to the last.
Football Insider recently revealed that United are interested in Joao Gomes from Wolves, with a January move in the offing as they linger at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Sadiki is now on their radar too, and a potential arrival at Old Trafford for either would surely seal an exit for the outcasted Kobbie Mainoo.