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Sunderland table bid ‘in region of £5m’ for Leicester City attacker eyed by Sheffield United

Sunderland asking price revealed as French club join Pierre Ekwah race

French side Saint-Étienne have joined the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah, with the Black Cats reportedly asking for €6-7 million (£5.1-5.9m).

According to Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 side are looking to reinforce their midfield options before the end of the transfer window this week.

They have set their sights on the 22-year-old, who has impressed during his time at the Stadium of Light.

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Ekwah arrived at Sunderland from West Ham in January 2023 and has gone on to become a key part of the first team squad.

However, he has yet to feature so far this season in Régis Le Bris’ side, with speculation mounting over his future.

Pierre Ekwah transfer latest

It is understood that Sunderland are asking for a fee between €6-7 million (£5.1-5.9m) for Ekwah, with the transfer deadline looming.

However, with just days remaining in the market, perhaps the Black Cats will want to avoid losing such an important member of the squad.

It has previously been reported by L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi that Udinese have made an offer worth €5 million (£4.2m) for the midfielder, which was turned down by the Championship side

Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

It was claimed by Africafoot last month that Leicester City have also made contact with the Black Cats over the player’s availability.

Ekwah made 40 appearances for the club in the second division last season, contributing five goals and two assists (all stats from Fbref).

Sunderland’s 2024 summer transfer activity

Sunderland had avoided any major player sales until last week, with Jack Clarke signing for Ipswich Town.

Otherwise, it has been a busy summer for incomings, with the likes of Wilson Isidor, Alan Browne, Ian Poveda, and Simon Moore joining Le Bris’ side.

Next up for Sunderland is a trip to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth on 31 August, their first game after the summer deadline.

Ekwah sale at this stage should be worth more to Sunderland

A deal for Ekwah at this stage of the summer window should be worth more to Sunderland than around £6 million.

The midfielder is likely to be a regular starter for the team after the September international if he stays, and he has three years remaining on his contract.