Earlier this week, SportMediaset reported Sunderland’s interest in AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez.
The outlet claimed that initial contact was made by the Black Cats, who are taking steps for a January move.
The Mexican failed to impress since his arrival at the San Siro last winter. He is yet to score even once in Serie A, having fallen out of favour under Max Allegri.
Tuttomercatoweb now give some hope to Sunderland, and explain AC Milan see Noah Okafor to Leeds United as a transfer to copy with Gimenez.
The 24-year-old is likely to depart Milan. To get rid of him, the Rossoneri will consider creative loan deals with the conditional obligation to buy.
This is out of desperation to replace Gimenez quickly, with England seen as a likelier destination than Italy. Serie A clubs are yet to express interest in the Mexico international.
Milan would want Sunderland to pay €23m for the ex-Feyenoord man in a permanent deal, likely starting as a loan. Noah Okafor’s move to Leeds United for a similar fee is seen as a benchmark.
Milan were pleased with the sale to Leeds United and it’s given them hope they can again get good money from a Premier League club, even a newly promoted one.
Milan spent €30m to sign Gimenez last January, and will want to avoid an accounting loss.
