Sunderland Nears £30m Deal for Senegal Midfielder Diarra

Sunderland have agreed a deal reportedly worth around £27-30 million with Strasbourg to sign Senegalese international and Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra, who impressed in a recent friendly win over England. The newly promoted Premier League club has beaten competition from Leeds United, AC Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, Brighton, and Everton to secure the 21-year-old midfielder, who is expected to undergo a medical soon. Leeds United had submitted offers reportedly below Sunderland's, including a rejected £22 million bid, and despite raising their offer, Diarra preferred Sunderland's proposal. Strasbourg's president Marc Keller confirmed Diarra, who extended his contract until 2028, would be allowed to leave if an attractive offer emerged, honoring a previous promise made to the player. Sunderland sees Diarra as a key replacement for Jobe Bellingham, who recently left for Borussia Dortmund, and the signing represents a record fee for the club, signaling their intent to compete in the Premier League following their promotion. Meanwhile, Leeds United continues to pursue other transfer targets as they prepare for their return to the top flight.