Sunderland set to miss out on Mateo as striker nears move to Houston

Sunderland have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Mateo Bajamich – with the striker nearing ever closer to a move to MLS side Houston Dynamo.

The Black Cats are understood to have made a bid in the region of £500,000 for the Ins ti tu to striker, with manager Phil Park in son confirming his interest in the player last weekend.

When quizzed on the club’s interest in the striker earlier this week, Parkinson said there had been no developments – with Sunderland having since gone on to add Danny Graham to their ranks.

But Bajamich now looks set to head to North America and team up with the Dynamos, after Ins ti tuto vice-president Mariano Carbonari told local radio that negotiations between the two clubs were at an ‘advanced’ stage.

"The transfer of Mateo Bajamich to Houston Dynamo is advanced,” he said.

"The club' s lawyers are working to not leave any edge that could harm the Institute or Mateo in the future.

"The coach knew that the club needs the income to continue improving, so he understood the departures of Malcom Braida and Mateo Bajamich.

"Whenever an offer for a player arrives, it is analysed .”

The deal for the 21-yearold is understood to be worth an initial £500,000, but could rise to £1million in time. Instituto could also retain a 20 per cent stake in the player’s rights.

However, reports in Argentina have suggested that

Bajamich is yet to agree personal terms with Houston – although this is not expected to be a major issue.

Meanwhile, former Black Cat Vito Mannone looks set to join Ligue 1 club Monaco.

The Italian was recently with Reading, but spent time on loan in the MLS with Minnesota United as his future at the Madje ski Stadium looked unclear.

Mannone also spent time with Swedish side Esbjerg IF earlier in 2020.

And with his contract with the Royals having now expired, Man none is understood to be heading to France.

Sky Sports Italia claim that the stopper will pen a two-year deal with Monaco, where he will challenge Polish goalkeeper Radosław Majecki for the number one jersey.