Nazariy Rusyn has confirmed that he hasn’t signed a contract with Sunderland yet.
Speaking in an interview with sport.ua, the striker opened up on his rumoured move to Wearside ahead of this week’s transfer deadline.
Rusyn has been heavily linked with Sunderland this summer, with the Championship club reportedly launching a bid of between 2-3 million (£1.7-£2.6m) to Zorya Luhansk earlier this month.
There had been various reports from Ukraine claiming that he was now very close to arriving on Wearside, however the Black Cats are still yet to land another forward since Eliezer Mayenda’s arrival.
Rusyn netted 13 goals and provided five assists in the Ukrainian Premier League last season, but has only managed two appearances this term after picking up an injury.
It’s unclear how long he is out of action for, but that hasn’t stopped Sunderland from pursuing the 24-year-old. Rusyn has now spoken out about how close he is to leaving his club.
Nazariy Rusyn will submit an English visa application today ahead of Sunderland switch
When asked by sport.ua whether he had already signed a contract with Sunderland, Rusyn said: “It’s not true. How could I do it when I didn’t even pass a medical examination at this club? That’s why I’m a Zorya player in the future.”
However, he did admit that there is an ‘agreement’ with the club. Rusyn said: “As my agent Vadim Shabliy reported, there is an agreement that I will legalise business relations with Sunderland for a period of four years with an extension for another season. This option suits me.
“On August 29, I must submit the necessary documents to obtain an English visa. I hope that soon all the formalities will be completed and it will be possible to gather in foggy Albion.”
Rusyn looks to now be preparing to move to England in the final days of the window, admitting that he is ‘ready for a new challenge’ after keeping an eye on Sunderland via their Instagram account.