Sunderland seal Europa return, eye Lucumí amid Spurs interest
Omar Alderete says a strong Sunderland season boosts his Paraguay World Cup confidence, citing improvement in qualifiers and praise after facing Manchester City and Liverpool.
Premier League poll features Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, who led a seventh-placed finish and Europa League qualification. Fans can vote before 12:00 BST on 29 May.
Sunderland still chase Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí, but Spurs are now ‘in the running’. A reduced fee near €20m is mooted after last summer’s €28m bid was rejected. European football could aid Sunderland.
Sunderland beat Chelsea to clinch Europa League return, their first since 1973. Goals from Luke O’Nien and Trai Hume’s link-up and Brian Brobbey’s press sealed it amid raucous Stadium of Light scenes.
Sunderland plan talks over a summer move for a £30m Liverpool player, with the Premier League club open to a sale of the ‘sensational’ talent.
