Sunderland could ‘hijack Juventus’ Matt O’Riley move’ after new talks held
Sunderland are among a number of clubs interested in signing Brighton star Matt O’Riley this summer, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old is “very highly rated” at the Stadium of Light.
O’Riley has held talks over a move to Juventus [Fabrizio Romano], but with the deal for from agreed, the Black Cats are weighing up a late swoop for the midfielder.
Brown told Football Insider in June that Brighton will accept offers for O’Riley and Fabian Hurzeler has already given the green light for his departure.
The midfielder failed to impress at the Amex after joining from Celtic last summer, and made clear his discontent with his playing time under Hurzeler.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are keen to land a new midfielder despite having completed deals for Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra already in the summer window.
Sunderland join race to sign ‘£30m’ Matt O’Riley
This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.
Brown told Football Insider that Brighton could demand £30million for O’Riley as they aim to make a profit on the £25million spent to sign him last summer.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Sunderland remain keen to strengthen their squad and are prepared to spend big.
“Matt O’Riley is somebody who has been on Sunderland’s radar,” he told Football Insider.
“They rate him highly and feel it’s a move they could get done, because I think we’ve said before Brighton are willing to let him go.
“Sunderland have been busy in the transfer window so far, and the midfield has been one of the position they’ve been looking to improve.
“Jobe Bellingham has gone to Germany, so after losing him they wanted to improve.
“They went out and got Granit Xhaka, who I think will do a good job for them with his experience.
“Then they’ve got a couple of others in as well, but it’s still an area for improvement.
“It’s something they’ve been working on with a few players still on their radar, so whether O’Riley is the one they make a move for or not, the interest is there.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin closes in on Leeds after Black Cats interest
Alongside the multitude of additions who have come through the doors at the Stadium of Light this summer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had also been on their radar.
Brown told Football Insider on 12 August that Sunderland could step up their interest in Calvert-Lewin as they want to add a more experienced striker to the lineup.
However, the former Everton star is now closing in on a move to fellow newly-promoted side Leeds United, and they will be forced to look elsewhere.
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