Sunderland make contact for Premier League rival who’s held talks to join Barcelona

Sunderland are now in talks to sign a Premier League rival at a bargain price this summer in a move that could see them go head-to-head against Barcelona.

Sunderland plotting ambitious summer move

After an excellent first season back in the Premier League, which could yet result in European football, Sunderland are in an ambitious mood ahead of the summer.

They already laid down the marker last summer, welcoming the likes of Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey, whilst smashing their transfer record more than once. Now, 12 months later and in an even stronger position, those at the Stadium of Light look destined to grab the headlines once again.

A number of players are already on the Black Cats’ radar, including Rico Lewis. The versatile Manchester City graduate has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad and although he failed to head for the exit door in January, a summer departure could be on the cards.

City are prepared to sell the 21-year-old and with Sunderland plotting a blockbuster move at the end of the season, they could make Lewis their first signing of the summer.

He’s not the only name on their shortlist, however. Alongside the defender, those in Wearside have also reportedly set their sights on Jhon Lucumi for the second time in 12 months.

It’s clear that improving the backline will be the priority in the coming months and if familiar problems emerge in pursuit of Lucumi, then Sunderland may be better served turning to an option closer to home.

Sunderland in talks to sign Marcos Senesi

As reported by TeamTalk, Sunderland are now in talks to sign Marcos Senesi after they were approached with the opportunity to sign the Bournemouth man on a free this summer.

The defender has already had contact with Barcelona, in what would be his dream move, only to be told that they’d prefer to sign Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.

That leaves Senesi back to square one and hands Sunderland the opportunity to swoop in alongside Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Everton. In a race which includes some of England’s biggest sides, signing the Argentine defender would be some statement by the Black Cats.

Senesi certainly has the quality to form an impressive partnership with Daniel Ballard at the heart of Regis Le Bris’ backline. Where the Bournemouth man has an excellent ball-recovery record, Ballard would cover for his weakness in possession with his better passing record.

Luring the defender to the Stadium of Light won’t be an easy task, given that his dream move is Barcelona, but Sunderland are not exactly short on ambition these days.