BLACK CAT’S HEFTY BILL
CRISIS club Sunderland are facing a £9.2-million bill after losing a court battle with Inter Milan over Ricky Alvarez.
The Argentinian midfielder joined the Black Cats in 2014 on a season’s loan during Gus Poyet’s reign in a deal to be made permanent on their Premier League survival.
But Alvarez, who now plays for Sampdoria, started only eight league and cup games for Sunderland due to injury.
And the Wearsiders claimed that Inter’s decision to delay knee surgery for the 29-yearold was grounds to pull out of the deal.
But reports in Italy say the Court of Arbitration for Sport have finally ruled in Inter’s favour.
It comes as another huge blow for relegated Sunderland, whose attempts to appoint a new manager have been hit by takeover talks.
German investors are interested in buying out chairman Ellis Short and the uncertainty was a major factor in Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes turning down the chance to replace David Moyes, who quit at the end of the season.
ANDERLECHT have made a loan offer for Newcastle United keeper Matz Sels – but Toon want them to pay all of his salary.
The Belgian, 25, is set to be the victim of a keeper shake-up on Tyneside, with Pepe Reina on Rafa Benitez’s radar.
Sels, a £4.5-million signing from Gent last summer, has failed to impress and is behind Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow in the Magpies’ pecking order.
Tim Krul is returning after loan spells with Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, while England’s Under-20 World Cup-winning keeper Freddie Woodman is also in the mix.
Geordies boss Benitez has refused to rule out a reunion with fellow Spaniard Reina, who played under him at Liverpool.
Benitez has also shown interest in Argentinian Willy Caballero, who was released by Manchester City and is understood to be lined up for a move to Chelsea.
Reina, 34, has a year left on his contact at Napoli, where Benitez also had him on loan, and is in talks over a new deal.
But Reina, rated at around £5-million, is said to fancy a return to England.