As quickly as one Sunderland rumour has emerged, there’s already names calling for it not to happen. One is former Russian footballer Dmitri Radchenko.
The football brainiacs may have heard of Dmitri Radchenko. He represented Russia 33 times between 1992 and 1996, playing for the likes of Spartak Moscow and Racing Santander in his career.
He now works in his native Russia as a pundit. Recently, he’s spoken about Sunderland’s interest in Eduard Spertsyan who plays for Russian Premier League side Krasnodar.
Spertsyan has been linked with a late move to Sunderland ahead of the January transfer window slamming shut at 1pm on Monday night. Championship leaders Leeds United are also thought to be interested.
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Sunderland transfer target Eduard Spertsyan told to avoid England move
Despite Sunderland’s fine season so far, Radchenko doesn’t think a move to the top end of the Championship would be a good one for Spertsyan. He thinks the level is too low. Instead, Radchenko has suggested a move to Italy or Spain.
He told Russian outlet Championat: “Spertsyan has been showing good football for the second year and is the leader of Krasnodar. Therefore, he deserves more than a transfer to a team from the second division of England.
“If Eduard moves to Leeds, which is currently in 1st place, no one can guarantee him a place in the starting lineup, because they are doing well and have a starting lineup. And you need to understand that this is the Championship, and the Premier League is a completely different football. It will be very difficult for him there.
“I don’t know about Spertsyan’s move to Napoli and Atalanta, which are the leaders of the Italian championship. The Italian and Spanish championships will suit Eduard’s playing style, but I have big questions about England.”
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Who else are Sunderland tracking ahead of deadline day?
Spertsyan has only just linked with Sunderland ahead of deadline, but Kristjaan Speakman may have had his Sunderland scouts watching over him for a while.
And this may well prove to be a difficult pursuit should there be interest from the likes of Napoli and Atalanta, as Radchenko mentions, so Sunderland fans shouldn’t get their hopes up about a deal for the 24-year-old.
Sunderland want another attacker before the window shuts. Cameron Archer is linked with a move to Wearside, but he too is a target for Leeds United, whilst the Black Cats have also joined the race for Liverpool’s Jayden Danns.
Regis Le Bris’ side certainly look set to add to their two signings of the January transfer window so far, but who arrives is anyone’s guess.