Sunderland had hoped to land Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris in the summer, but may have to switch their attention elsewhere.
Sunderland’s hopes of bringing Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris in during the summer appear to have been almost completely dashed after The Sun reported that he signed a new deal at the Estadio da Luz.
The run the superstitious Sunderland fan will be glad is now over
The Sun reports that the 27-year-old was on David Moyes’ radar and the Black Cats boss was planning to make a move should he lead his side to safety in the Premier League this season, having been informed that he would have some money to spend if he keeps them up.
Andreas Samaris
And based on how often he had played this term, it may not have been that great a surprise if Benfica were willing to field offers for Samaris. The Greece international has played 10 times in the Portuguese top flight this season, but has started on just four occasions.
However, they will surely have to switch their attention to other targets as The Sun is now reporting that Samaris has agreed a four-year deal with his current club, so it would surely take a sensational offer to tempt the side into selling this summer.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
But Moyes will be well aware that they cannot dwell on one of their main targets committing his future to another club as, on the pitch, they have given themselves a glimmer of hope with their most recent result.
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While they are still bottom of the table, Sunderland are now just two points off safety after thrashing fellow strugglers Crystal Palace 4-0 at Selhurst Park and securing a goalless draw with high-flyers Tottenham in the fixture before that.
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