"Serious" - 22-year-old striker reveals all on Sunderland AFC transfer talk | OneFootball

Matija Frigan was linked with a move to the Stadium of Light this winter

KVC Westerlo striker Matija Frigan has described Sunderland's "serious" interest in his services this winter, as the Black Cats look to end their Premier League hiatus.

Regis Le Bris looked to add to his attacking ranks, which already includes top scorer Wilson Isidor and young Spanish striker Eliezer Mayenda, who netted his eighth Championship goal of the season against Bristol City on Friday afternoon, by signing the Croatian frontman, amid reports that he could have cost the North East outfit up to €15m in future transfer fees.

The 22-year-old has netted double-figure goals across all competitions during his second season at the Het Kuipje stadium as Timmy Simons' side find themselves competing in the Belgian Pro League's First Division A alongside KV Mechelen, Sporting Charleroi, Standard Liege, OH Leuven and FCV Dender, with the leaders of this particular split rewarded with a place in the UEFA Conference League play-offs.

Whilst Frigan wasn't against the idea of moving to the Stadium of Light, he admitted to Croatian news outlet, Germanijak, that his focus immediately returned to matters for his current outfit after a deal couldn't be struck in the dying embers of the winter transfer window.

Matija Frigan reveals "serious" Sunderland transfer interest amid KVC Westerlo exploits

The previous transfer window wasn't the first time that the forward had appeared on the radar of those in Wearside, with Frigan previously linked with the club back in the summer of 2023, when Tony Mowbray was in charge, eventually seeing a £3.4m bid rejected by HNK Rijeka before Frigan signed a five-year contract with his current employers.

It was then reported that the Black Cats were taking a "serious look" at his services in January, before the Championship side were said to be pushing for an initial loan move for the remainder of the season ahead of a €15m obligation to buy this summer, whilst Westerlo were in favour of striking an imminent agreement in the region of €7m.

Ultimately, Sunderland continued to push for Frigan's services but could not strike a deal ahead of the 11PM deadline back on February 3rd, with the striker now revealing his thoughts on the transfer saga.

When asked by Germanijak if there was truth in the rumours, he responded: "I think it was serious. I don't worry about it, I have people who follow it, but I heard that there was talk about it at the club."

"I liked the idea, but when it didn't work out, I put it out of my mind the next morning. Summer is coming, maybe a new opportunity, but I have a solid contract, the club decides everything," Frigan stated.

Sunderland may pursue Matija Frigan transfer if Premier League promotion is achieved

Whilst Frigan's current focus is on achieving a European place with 'De Kemphanen', the fact he hasn't ruled out a potential summer departure could boost Sunderland's chances of pursuing a deal, especially if they are able to return to the top-flight.

Isidor will no doubt remain a key figure after his loan spell from Zenit St Petersburg was made permanent for just £3m, although clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace previously took a liking to the 12-goal forward for his performance against Leeds United in February.

And, whilst Mayenda has enjoyed a successful breakthrough season, depth is an issue in the attacking department for Sunderland, and the opportunity to star in the biggest league in the world, if the Mackems can restore momentum and become play-off winners, may be too good of an opportunity for Frigan and Westerlo to turn down, especially if Sunderland were to return with another offer of between seven and eight figures.