Sunderland ‘turn down’ £4 million offer for ‘amazing’ midfielder, Forest and Palace were keen

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Sunderland have reportedly turned down an offer from the Serie A for a key player for Roger Le Bris’ side this summer.

Roger Le Bris was confirmed as Sunderland’s new manager earlier this summer as the Black Cats hope to finally return to the Premier League.

Sunderland kickstarted their season with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium and there are still two weeks to go for the North East club to improve their squad.

However, reports from France have stated that Sunderland have received an offer from Serie A side Udinese for Pierre Ekwah.

Sunderland respond to Pierre Ekwah offer

Italian outlet Messaggero Veneto stated Udinese are determined to sign Sunderland’s Ekwah this summer.

It was also stated the Serie A side can’t close the deal quickly because of the Black Cats’ high demand. There was no mention of the fee requested by Sunderland for the midfielder.

L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi took to X to update fans on the situation with the French journalist claiming that Udinese have made a £4 million offer for Ekwah but that is a figure that the Black Cats have reportedly rejected.

The journalist says Udinese ‘must come back’ with an improved bid if they want to secure the 22-year-old’s services. The Frenchman has three years left on his deal.

Tanzi doesn’t state what Sunderland are demanding for the Frenchman but it is clear that the Italian giants will have to up their offer for Ekwah if they are to get a deal done.

Interest from Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace in Ekwah

HITC had reported back in January that Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace were keen on Ekwah after his performances for Sunderland in the EFL Championship.

Ex-Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray was a big fan of Ekwah and it appears a host of clubs are also keen.

“I keep telling him that, if he can develop that physical aspect of his game, then what a footballer we’ve got,” Mowbray told The Chronicle in May.

“(Ekwah) can do amazing things with his feet. He’s so clever with his feet. You can see how fast his feet are, and he can see pictures.”

Last season for Sunderland, Ekwah featured in 40 Championship games for the Black Cats and developed a reputation as being one of the most promising players in the division.