An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of Jack Rudoni in the summer transfer window...
What's the talk?
According to the Daily Mail, the Black Cats remain locked in talks with Wimbledon over a deal to sign the versatile midfielder.
The report claims that they have already had one offer, of £1m, rejected by the League One outfit and are now set to battle a number of Championship sides for his signature.
He has one year left on his contract at Wimbledon and Kristjaan Speakman is now hoping to lure him to the Stadium of Light.
Alex Neil would love him
The Black Cats' head coach would love Rudoni on Wearside as he has the potential to be a major player for the club in the Championship next season.
In League One last term, the gem produced 12 goals and five assists as he played in central midfield and out wide throughout the campaign.
He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.96 as he made 41 appearances in the third tier and showcased his ability to be a difference-maker by making late runs into the box from the middle of the park.
South London Press reporter Edmund Brack dubbed his goals "Frank Lampard-esque" and went on to praise his style of play in an interview with the Bristol Post, saying:
"He’s quite direct. When he picks up the ball, his first thought is always to go towards goal. It’s a 1-2 and then he’s off.
"He’s quite fearless. Anyone his age, they could be affected by the winless run AFC Wimbledon went through last season (the Dons failed to win 28 games in all competitions from December 11 through to the end of the season) but he continued to put in performances, and he nearly kept them up alongside Ayoub Assal and Luke McCormick."
Meanwhile, no Sunderland central midfielder managed more than three goals in 2021/22 and this suggests that Rudoni would add a much-needed goal threat to the ranks in that area of the pitch.
At the age of 22, he is also a player with the potential to make the step up to the Championship. He is still in the development phase of his career and can grow alongside the club as they look to compete in the second tier next term.