Galatasaray turn attention to signing Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki - journalist
Galatasaray have reportedly placed Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki onto their transfer shortlist ahead of a possible move.
Sunderland are approaching one of their most exciting seasons ever as they enter European competition for the first time in 53 years.
Regis Le Bris was given the licence to spend big last summer, so things have been different this time around, with Thomas Meunier the only signing to arrive since the start of the window.
They have cleared out a myriad of fringe players who struggled for game time last term, and are clearly not planning to lose any key men before the deadline passes next month.
Sadiki was one of the Black Cats' best players last season following his £15million move from Union Saint-Gilloise.
He has been linked away from the Stadium of Light this summer, and Galatasaray have now reportedly joined the race for his signature.
Galatasaray keen on Noah Sadiki move as midfield search accelerates
The Sun journalist, Jo Aujla, has reported that Galatasaray have stepped up their search for a new midfield enforcer by placing Sadiki onto their transfer shortlist this week.
He is believed to have caught the eye of their scouts and staff in the last 12 months after helping Sunderland qualify for the Europa League on their return to the top flight.
The 21-year-old box-to-box star featured 35 times across all competitions in his first season on Wearside and impressed at the World Cup with DR Congo this summer.
Super Lig champions Gala will play in the Champions League this season, and are keeping "close tabs" on Sadiki's availability right now.
What has Sadiki said about his Sunderland future?
Sunderland will be looking to turn a huge profit on Sadiki this summer, and a hefty offer from the Turkish club may well tempt them into a sale.
His form attracted the interest of Premier League clubs last season, with Football Insider revealing that Sunderland had no plan to sell him in January after Chelsea were linked with a move.
Man United have also been linked to his services, and he was asked about his future plans in May after returning to USG as a guest of the club
Sadiki refused to commit to the Black Cats, saying: "“My future? I still have two matches to play with Sunderland, then the World Cup, which will be very special for the Congolese people. And as for the rest, we’ll see next season when the time is right.”