Overview

• Sunderland pulled out of a £17.5 million agreement to sign Armand Laurienté from Sassuolo after failing to finalise terms.
• A proposed bid for Lille centre-back Bafode Diakité was turned down as the French club demands around €40 million.
• An enquiry for Brighton defender Igor Julio did not progress despite the club’s efforts to bolster its backline.
• The Black Cats have tabled a three-year contract offer to former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka in hopes of adding Premier League experience.
• Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi remains on the club’s radar pending activation of his release clause and resolution of his contract status.