Report: Benfica open talks to sign Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong

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Ndong is expected to leave Sunderland before the end of the window.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola have claimed that Benfica have opened talks with Sunderland over a move for outcast midfielder Didier Ndong, who is expected to leave this summer.

Ndong, 24, has failed to feature for Sunderland this season along with defender Papy Djilobodji, with the duo completely ostracised by manager Jack Ross in a bid to offload the duo and ease the club’s wage bill.

Joining Sunderland from Lorient back in the summer of 2016, Ndong has hardly set the world alight in Wearside during his 54 league and cup appearances and was even loaned to Premier League side Watford last season.

The 19-time Gabon international has three years remaining on his contract and Sunderland are keen to avoid another situation like Jack Rodwell’s, which saw the Black Cats eventually release the England international.

Ndong, who joined Sunderland for a fee believed to be in the region of £14.4million from Lorient, is said to be earning a whopping £28,000 a week at the Stadium of Light – a fee that some Premier League clubs would be unwilling to pay.

But with Benfica opening talks, Sunderland may be able to finally offload the midfielder in a move that will seriously aid their finances following a double relegation. It remains to be seen whether a move would be on loan or permanent.

Benfica are close to qualifying for the Champions League, as they look to knock Greek side PAOK out of the play-off qualifying round to reach the group stages. They drew 1-1 in the first leg.