Sunderland have made a ‘frantic’ late bid to sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
That’s according to Alan Nixon, who has reported that the Black Cats are eager to take the winger on loan from Crystal Palace ahead of Patrick Roberts’ potential exit.
Roberts has been a key player under Tony Mowbray since they won promotion to the Championship, with the forward starting their opening three fixtures before he picked up an injury.
Sunderland were reportedly yet to offer Roberts a new contract beyond next summer and it looks like Southampton could now take advantage of that, with Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reporting yesterday that the Saints had made a £5 million bid for his signature.
Various reports claimed that Roberts was eager to move to the south coast, though the relegated club are yet to come in with an improved offer on deadline day.
Sunderland could well lose their star man in the final hours of the window if they want to avoid losing him for free, though they have no ready made replacement among their ranks.
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Jack Clarke is currently the club’s only fit winger, while Jewison Bennette is currently sat on the sidelines and only actually has 16 senior appearances to his name on Wearside.
Mowbray’s side had been linked with a move for Rak-Sakyi last month and have now rekindled their interest as they look to replace Roberts.
The ‘wonderful’ 20-year-old has attracted a number of clubs this summer after a stellar campaign with Charlton Athletic last season, where he scored 15 goals and provided eight assists.
Sunderland are hoping to land Rak-Sakyi on loan today, however it will be though to persuade Palace to let him go as he looks set to be part of the first team squad this season.
The Eagles would also have to find their own replacement if they sanctioned a loan exit, which makes a departure even less likely.