Black Cats linked with swoop for Villa keeper
Whatever happens with the rest of the 2019-20 League One campaign, Sunderland are poised for a busy summer of transfer activity with 12 players out of contract.
The list includes No1 keeper Jon McLaughlin and Sunderland have been credited with an interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic as a possible replacement should the Scotland international not sign a new deal amid growing uncertainty over his future at the Stadium of Light.
The 22-year-old, who had a loan spell at Livingston earlier this season, is expected to leave Villa Park this summer.
His deal runs out in June and he claims there is interest in him from clubs both in England and abroad.
League One rivals Sunderland and Blackpool have both been credited with an interest in the national press.
“It was great in Livingston,” Sarkic told Montenegrin outlet Vijesti.
“The club, however, soon brought in the famous and experienced Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, so there was no room for me.
“I think that there will be little space for a real chance in Aston Villa in the future, so I plan to go, despite the club’s desire to extend my contract, which expires at the end of June.
“Now I am diligently preparing for the status I want, and that is the first goalkeeper. There is interest, both in England and abroad.”
The League One campaign was suspended in mid-March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic with clubs set to have their say over the coming week about how it should be concluded.