Sunderland are looking to sign Serbian midfielder Milan Aleksic from FK Radnički but a deal is not yet agreed, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Sunderland are in for a busy end to the summer transfer window.
After a brilliant start to life under Regis Le Bris, the board are backing the Frenchman as they look to earn promotion from the Championship.
With three wins from three so far this season, the Black Cats could not have asked for a better start this season. However, the squad has not had much of an overhaul. Only five players have been signed and Jack Clarke is the only significant departure.
While Clarke is a huge loss, Romaine Mundle stepped in against Burnley and showed he has the quality to replace the now Ipswich Town man.
Going into the last couple of days of the window there is a lot of speculation circulating, and according to Mozzartsport, Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old midfielder Milan Aleksic.
They have claimed the Black Cats have agreed a €3.7m (around £3.1m) deal for the youngster, who is set to sign a four-year-deal with the club.
However, while the Sunderland Echo are backing up the reports of Sunderland’s interest, they have said that nothing has been concluded yet. There is a hope that the deal will be done come the deadline though.
Why the large fee?
Over £3m for an 18-year-old is a very big investment at any level of the game. It may be surprising to see Sunderland fork that kind of money out considering their recent history in the market.
However, in Aleksic, the Black Cats would be bringing in a highly coveted prospect. The Serbian has already been called up to the national team for their upcoming Nations League fixtures.
In addition, he has been linked with move to some of Europe’s elite this summer. Chelsea have been credited with interest and Benfica had a £2m bid rejected earlier in the window. While bigger clubs may be options for Aleksic, the Stadium of Light has proven to be a brilliant home for young players over the past few seasons.
An Aouchiche replacement?
Adil Aouchiche only arrived at the Stadium of Light last summer, but there have been plenty of rumours of a departure.
He played under head coach Le Bris at Lorient but did not nail down a place in his plans, and Aouchiche was not part of the matchday squad in last weekend’s win over Burnley.
The 22-year-old recently declared allegiance to Algeria and reports from there suggest he is looking to leave to force himself into the national team. A move back to France could be on the cards for the attacking midfielder.
Should Aleksic arrive, it could free up Aouchiche to leave after just one year on Wearside.
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