One of Sunderland’s former transfer targets looks to be closing in on a move to the Championship.
Sunderland have been considering their potential options to replace Jack Clarke, who was expected to be on his way out this summer.
The Black Cats have been linked with the likes of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Liam Millar in their pursuit of a new winger, but their search has been put on hold due to the lack of bids for their star man.
Clarke received huge interest last season, however his potential suitors appear to have been put off by his £25m price tag.
Sunderland had been linked with Rak-Sakyi since last summer, however it was recently reported that they had ended their interest in the Crystal Palace youngster.
Former Sunderland target could be on his way to newly-relegated club
It is unclear whether that was because the club were hopeful that Clarke would stay, however it now looks like he could be closing in on a bumper pay rise with their Championship rivals.
Journalist Alan Nixon wrote on his Patreon: “Sheffield United are willing to offer Rak-Sakyi a bumper pay rise to join them on loan from Crystal Palace.
“Blades are hoping that an increase in the wide man’s wages will swing the chase for his signature.”
According to Capology, the 21-year-old only earns £7,500-per-week at Selhurst Park.
The Black Cats face a nervy final week of the transfer window
Rak-Sakyi has already attracted interest from some huge clubs such as Leeds United and Rangers, so Sunderland’s chances of signing the attacker already seemed very slim.
He could have been a very solid replacement if Clarke if he was to leave, but the Black Cats need to wait until he is sold until they can bring in a new winger.
There is no doubt that Rak-Sakyi would have found a new club by then anyway, so it could be a very tricky final couple of weeks for Sunderland if they do end up selling Clarke, with very little time to find his replacement.
The likes of Anass Zaroury, Jaidon Anthony and Jeremy Sarmiento could be players to look to on loan, but the Wearside outfit will no doubt face huge competition for whoever they fancy.