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Sunderland’s Pierre Ekwah was on loan at AS Saint-Étienne last season, after Régis Le Bris left him out of his plans at the Stadium of Light. The midfielder did well on loan and earlier claims from France stated they have good arguments to make his stay permanent.

Saint-Étienne had secured a €7m purchase option with Sunderland. Last month, L’Equipe stated they won’t be retaining the midfielder after their relegation from the Ligue 1.

Despite dropping to the second division, the French club haven’t giving up on buying the 23-year-old.

Earlier today, Saint-Étienne manager Eirik Horneland spoke to reporters and Evect have relayed his comments. He confirmed the desire to buy the Sunderland player.

“We bought Jaber, we exercised the purchase options for Cardona and Bernauer, and we’re trying to see if it’s also possible to do the same for Pierre Ekwah. These are already initial investments at the opening of the transfer window for us,” he said.

But! Football Club have relayed additional comments from the French club’s manager on Ekwah.

“I would also like to exercise the option to buy Pierre,” Horneland explained.

According to But! Football Club, the Norwegian coach is hopeful that Saint-Étienne can conclude negotiations with Sunderland quickly.

If Saint-Étienne actually decide to exercise the €7m purchase option, they wouldn’t have to discuss much with the Black Cats. Should they try to lower the price, as they likely will, then it’s required to negotiate with the English club.