Sunderland open talks over late Dodi Lukebakio move - journalist
Sunderland have reportedly entered talks with Benfica over a deal to sign Belgian winger Dodi Lukebakio before the summer deadline passes.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported, via X, that the Black Cats are trying to broker a late deal for Lukebakio.
Talks are believed to be ongoing with the Portuguese giants, who have fielded interest in his services from across Europe this summer.
Sunderland want to sign the 28-year-old on a permanent deal, and he has "opened the door" to a move to the Stadium of Light, according to the report.
The Black Cats' interest in his services comes as Crystal Palace look to have hijacked their move for Lyon star Malick Fofana.
Lukebakio has played in England before and has experience of several different top European leagues, with Sunderland after a new right winger as Simon Adingra looks set to leave.
Dodi Lukebakio emerges onto Sunderland's radar as late switch eyed
Lukebakio started his career at Anderlecht after coming through their youth ranks, but struggled to ever break into their team and joined Watford in 2018 after a spell at Charleroi.
He signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Hornets and made his Premier League debut against West Ham just days after joining, but then failed to make another appearance before the end of the of the campaign.
The tricky wide man went on to enjoy a four-year spell at Hertha Berlin between 2019 and 2023, and made his Belgium debut in 2020.
He also impressed in a two-season stint at Sevilla after leaving Hertha, thus joining Benfica for around £17.5million last summer.
Lukebakio, now 28, struggled in his maiden season with the Eagles as he registered one goal and three assists in 23 games, and could now be on his way to Sunderland for another crack at the English top flight.
What is the latest on Fofana's future amid Sunderland and Palace battle?
Sources exclusively revealed to Football Insider on Monday that Sunderland and Palace are both interested in signing Lyon starlet Fofana in this window.
He clearly fits the profile of winger that Regis Le Bris is looking to add to his side, but new reports have claimed that the Black Cats will find it tough to complete a deal for his services.
David Ornstein has reported that Palace are keen on hijacking Sunderland's move for Fofana and Pierre Sage has spoken to the player to convince him to move to South London.
Sunderland's new interest in Lukebakio may well point to that deal being dead from their point of view, as they look at other targets.