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Sunderland and Sporting are in the race to sign UD Almería’s Luis Suárez this summer.

That’s according to Thursday’s edition of Diario de Almería, and sources close to the club have informed them that ‘there are talks with several clubs’ for the striker.

Suárez managed 31 goals and eight assists last season as Almería failed to return to La Liga. The 27-year-old and his club are carefully studying options that will satisfy both parties.

At this moment in time, Sunderland and Sporting have ‘expressed interest’ in the former Watford man. The Lions have identified him as a target to replace Viktor Gyökeres, who is keen on a move to Arsenal.

Diario de Almería point out claims made in Portugal suggesting the €25m requested by the Spanish club is ‘excessive’, it’s then stated that in the ‘last few hours’ Sunderland have joined the battle for the Colombia international.

It’s claimed the Black Cats would be willing to get closer to the Segunda División side’s request, which is said to be around €25m.

Régis Le Bris’ side have doubts about the player as they feel he would pick Sporting, who compete for trophies and play in the Champions League, over a move to the Stadium of Light.

Almería paid €8m to buy Suárez from Marseille in 2023 and selling him for €25m will see them triple their investment.

That Sunderland interest, and their willingness to pay €25m, is pushed in the media local to Almería, at the same time the Portuguese press insist Sporting feel that’s overpriced, may suggest the newly promoted club’s name is being used to panic the Lisbon side.