Just ahead of the January transfer window it was reported in France that Newcastle United and Sunderland both held an interest in Diego Contento. The 26 year old is a left back currently playing for Bordeaux in Ligue 1 and French newspaper L’Equipe believe he was ‘very close’ to an England move during the last transfer window.
Newcastle United and Sunderland may well be boosted in their interest by Contento’s contract situation. With just a year left on his Bordeaux deal after the current season, the player’s value in under some pressure. Without a renewal, Bordeaux may well be encouraged to sell for a reduce fee when the next market opens.
Sunderland were again linked with Contento in late January by English newspaper The Sun, but there was no mention of their rivals Newcastle United.
Contento came through the ranks at Bayern Munich and into the German club’s first team, 
before making the move to France in 2014. L’Equipe have a feature on the player in their Saturday newspaper, and whilst there’s no mention of a summer move, there’s no mention of a contract renewal either.
Pushing himself into the media ahead of the summer window, perhaps Contento is giving a hint to Newcastle, Sunderland and other potentially interested clubs. It would be thought that either North East side would have to be in the Premier League to stand a realistic chance of signing the player.
