Sources: Ajax open talks to sign Sunderland star Simon Adingra
Ajax have entered talks with Sunderland over a deal to sign Ivorian international forward Simon Adingra, sources have told Football Insider.
Adingra, 24, is a target for the Dutch giants as they look to complete a deal before Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline.
He struggled for regular minutes upon arrival at the Stadium of Light last season, moving to Monaco on loan in the January window.
The Ivory Coast star was handed consistent game time in Ligue 1 as he registered three goals and two assists in 14 league appearances.
He is now likely to leave Sunderland again as Ajax chase a deal, although it is unclear whether he will depart on loan or permanently.
Adingra has missed the start of the new season with an ankle injury, but looks set to recover in the coming weeks and so is available for transfer.
Simon Adingra wanted by Ajax after tough Sunderland stint
Sunderland forked out an initial £21million to sign the 24-year-old from Brighton ahead of their return to the Premier League last summer.
He was only handed 15 appearances by Regis Le Bris in the first half of the campaign, with nine starts and one goal in the top flight.
Adingra was a target for several clubs as Monaco won the race for his services in January, but they decided against triggering his £16m buy clause at the end of the season despite some strong showings.
He still has just under four years left to run on his Black Cats contract, so will not come cheap if a club wishes to agree a permanent deal.
Sunderland battling PL rivals to sign Malick Fofana
News of Ajax's interest in Adingra comes after sources exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Sunderland are keen on signing Lyon winger Fofana.
The 21-year-old is also admired by Crystal Palace, while new reports have claimed that Arsenal are in talks with the French club over a possible move.
Fofana has earned plaudits for his trickery and explosive wing play at Lyon in recent seasons, with 19 goals and six assists in 84 games for the club so far.
He is believed to be available for around £35m, with Sunderland now behind Everton in the race to sign Jack Grealish.