Leicester City are the favourites to land Hull’s Eldin Jakupovic, meaning Sunderland will have to turn their attentions elsewhere.
Hull City’s Eldin Jakupovic
A few weeks into their Premier League return, when the novelty had worn off and the heavy defeats were setting in, a number of Hull City supporters began clamouring for Eldin Jakupovic to replace the floundering David Marshall between the sticks.
However, they were forced to wait until Marco Silva replaced Mike Phelan at the helm in January before they got their wish.
And with Jakupovic performing heroically in the second half of the season, that penalty save in a 0-0 draw with Southampton particularly notable, you can’t help wondering if Hull would still be a Premier League team had the one-time Swiss international started the season as the club’s number one.
Therefore, its little surprise he has attracted interest from elsewhere. The BBC reported earlier this week that Leicester City had entered advanced negotiations with a fee of over £2 million mooted.
As there is no relegation clause in his contract, the Hull Daily Mail reports that The Tigers are in no obligation to sell. However, the report adds that they would consider a bid in excess of £2 million.
Therefore, this all points to the possibility that Sunderland will miss out on yet another target with the club yet to make any sort of impression on the transfer market.
Pickford’s replacement?
Sky Sports claimed that Jakupovic was a target for The Black Cats and, with Jordan Pickford leaving for Everton and Vito Mannone heading for the exit, the need for a new goalkeeper is more glaring than ever.
Jordan Pickford is now the third most expensive goalkeeper of all time
However, missing out on one target means they simply cannot afford to lose another. The Daily Mail claimed that Manchester United’s Sam Johnstone is another potential addition though Aston Villa, Watford, Everton and Leeds have all been linked with the £5 million-rated man.
Starring on loan at Villa last season, Johnstone has proven that he has the talent to stand out in the Championship. And, with Jakupovic heading elesehwere, missing out on Johnstone too would leave Sunderland in a mess.
Foremr Aston Villa loanee Sam Johnstone
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