Sunderland are reportedly keen on Montpellier playmaker Ryad Boudebouz.
According to The Sun, Sunderland are keen on a deal for Montpellier playmaker Ryad Boudebouz, which could cost £8.5million.
The Black Cats only sit one point adrift of survival, but having spent most of the season inside the bottom three, the threat of relegation is looming large over the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland manager David Moyes looks dejected
It’s clear that manager David Moyes needs reinforcements to help his struggling squad, but the Sunderland boss appears to have very little to spend during this month’s transfer window.
However, he is being linked with moves for players, and Montpellier star Ryad Boudebouz is the latest player being touted for a move to Wearside this month, with The Sun reporting that Moyes is interested in an £8.5million deal.
Boudebouz, 26, was one of the most highly rated young players in France during his time with Sochaux, and after a short spell with Bastia, he moved on to Montpellier in 2015.
Montpellier’s Ryad Boudebouz in action (R)
After hitting two goals and 11 assists last season, Boudebouz has notched seven goals and two assists this term, becoming one of the top attacking midfielders in Ligue 1.
An Algerian international with 24 caps to his name, Boudebouz is a talented attacking midfielder with great skill on the ball, but at £8.5million, Sunderland may be be better off reviving the last attacking midfielder they bought from France – Wahbi Khazri.
The Tunisian starred last season following a January move from Bordeaux, but has barely been used by Moyes this season. Khazri undeniably has talent, and Sunderland are hardly in a position to waste that.
If Moyes really is adamant that Khazri won’t get in his team though, Boudebouz could be a smart alternative – and it would be interesting to see whether offering Khazri up in a swap deal could help Sunderland secure their man, given how much Khazri impressed in French football before his move to the Stadium of Light.
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