Sunderland could reportedly renew interest in Middlesbrough’s Grant Leadbitter if they can move on big earners

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Sunderland will reportedly revive interest in Middlesbrough’s Grant Leadbitter if they can offload big earners such as Papy Djilobodji and Didier Ndong.

Sunderland have not given up hope of signing Grant Leadbitter from Middlesbrough this week but any move will depend on them offloading “their own surplus big earners”, reports Teesside Live.

The Black Cats have been strongly linked with Leadbitter – who came through the youth ranks at the Wearside club and made 119 appearances for them – throughout the summer.

The 32-year-old has played three times for Boro so far this season, but could be allowed to leave if they complete the signing of George Saville from Millwall.

Expensive and unwanted

Although not mentioned by name, there is little doubting that the surplus big earners being referred to at the Stadium of Light are Papy Djilobodji and Didier Ndong.

Neither player has returned to the League One club following their relegation from the Championship last season and manager Jack Ross admits managing director Tony Davison is working hard to move them on.

“I said during the week I thought they were close [to leaving] and I still think that is the case,” Ross told the Sunderland Echo.

“I have been in regular contact with Tony and it is a lot of frustrating work for him but I think they will happen sooner rather than later, just a case of when.”

If Djilobodji and Ndong do leave, as expected, then Ross can make a move for Leadbitter – but with the loan window closing on Friday (August 31), time is running out.