Football24tv states that Chelsea and Southampton are also keen on signing the Ukrainian under-19 international this summer. Their report adds that Chelsea have offered the player a contract.
They also state that Sunderland were interested in his services at one point but wanted Krapyvtsov to come for a week’s trial first. However, Southampton and Chelsea are ready to offer contracts. Krapyvtsov is a free agent after his contract expired last summer.
Anthony Patterson remains Sunderland’s number-one goalkeeper with Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu behind the Academy of Light graduate in the pecking order when it comes to Sunderland’s first team.
Through the youth ranks, the Black Cats boast several good options. Matty Young is out on loan at Salford whilst Kelechi Chibueze started Sunderland’s under-21s campaign against Newcastle United between the sticks. Dan Cameron and Adam Richardson are also still on the club’s books.
The 22 year old former VFL Bochum defender was set for the Bundesliga again in a deal worth just under £13million to Saints this summer.
Bella-Kotchap is available for transfer after spending last season on loan at PSV, where he made only a handful of starts due to injury.
Reports in Germany suggested the deal was on the verge of collapse due to a heart problem discovered in his medical – which was leaked to the press.
However, Sky Sports Germany now report that the transfer has “100 per cent collapsed” with Hoffenheim not signing the defender.
The report details that the decision was made within the last 24 hours after negotiations continued despite the leaks following the medical.
It would mean Bella-Kotchap returns to England to continue training while Saints look to arrange a permanent transfer elsewhere.
Martin had previously said: “If it doesn’t go ahead, we’ll reassess and we’ll get him back here – but there is no imminent threat to Armel and his health.”
Saints hoped to make a small profit on Bella-Kotchap following his 2022 arrival from VFL Bochum for under £10million – after also pocketing a loan fee from PSV.
Bella-Kotchap has made 26 appearances for the St Mary’s side and won his first senior international cap with Germany in September 2022.
The Daily Echo has approached sources for confirmation of the report, which originates from Germany rather than within the UK, with more to follow.
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