Sunderland linked striker Mateo Bajamich is in ‘advanced’ talks to leave Argentine outfit Instituto, the club’s vice-president has admitted to Radio Impacto before adding that the MLS is likely to be his destination.
While the Black Cats have prioritised seasoned League One performers this summer, landing Danny Graham, Aiden O’Brien and Remi Matthews on free transfers, there has been plenty thinking done outside of the box too.
And, after snapping up Kosovan international Arbenit Xhemajli, a little-known South American has entered on the radar too.
Speaking at his press conference today, Sunderland coach Phil Parkinson admitted that Bajamich is indeed a target, although there has been little progress in a deal at this stage with Houston Dynamo leading the chase.
“The exit of Mateo Bajamich is advanced,” says VP Mariano Carbonari, who name-dropped Houston as the 21-year-old’s most likely destination.
“(Head coach Fernando Quiroz) knew that the club needs the income to continue improving, so he understood the departures of Malcom Braida and Mateo Bajamich (were necessary).
“Whenever an offer for a player arrives, it is analysed.”
The Echo believes that Sunderland have offered £500,000 for Bajamich, who scored nine times across 28 games in the Argentine top flight last season.
In Graham and O’Brien, the Black Cats already have a pair of proven third-tier strikers, while there is still some hope that Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg can live up to their hefty price-tags on Wearside.
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