Sunderland AFC plotting six-figure transfer move for 25-year-old star | OneFootball

The Black Cats are weighing up a summer move for Hansa Rostock defender Ahmet Gurleyen.

Sunderland are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for Hansa Rostock defender Ahmet Gurleyen.

According to outlets Fussball Transfers and BILD, the Black Cats have placed the 25-year-old on their transfer shortlist heading into the summer, with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus already preparing plans for next season, despite the club not knowing which division they’ll end up playing in next term.

The Wearside are going strong in the Championship outfit, and despite a last-gasp defeat to Leeds United, remain fourth in the second tier table and are almost certain of a play-off place, while they remain only eight points off an automatic promotion place.

Sunderland have a fantastic opportunity to make a return to the big time under Regis Le Bris, and they are already keen on bolstering the defensive line with other senior figures set to depart the club when the season draws to a close.

Fussball Transfers has reported that Sunderland and a number of other Championship sides are expressing an interest in Ahmet Gurleyen, who is currently playing his football in the third tier of Germany with Hansa Rostock.

Publication BILD have added more information to the transfer saga, stating a reported transfer fee of €500,000 is being discussed at this moment in time.

He joined the 3. Bundesliga side from FC Nürnberg last summer and has been a regular first team player this season, netting once from 23 appearances.

That’s seen as a fee that Sunderland and other ‘financially strong’ clubs in England could afford, and it wouldn’t be a major hurdle. The deal would also be appealing financially for the German side.

It is believed Sunderland are currently in the driving seat to win the race, but competition from other second tier outfits has made it more difficult for the Black Cats to secure a deal.

Ahmet Gurleyen arrival could be a replacement for Chris Mepham

With Sunderland singling out a defender as a priority signing, it could mean Chris Mepham’s loan spell at the Stadium of Light will come to an end after the campaign is over.

The Welsh international has added much-needed experience and leadership qualities to the backline but has potentially fallen out of favour in recent times after remaining an unused substitute against Luton and Leeds.

With Mepham failing to appear in the last two outings and now a defender link emerging, Sunderland may feel that they will be better off taking a gamble on a player from overseas for next season, and the defender will surely be interested in a switch with Sunderland threatening to make a return to the top-flight.

Given a deal will certainly benefit the German side from a financial point of view, Sunderland could be close to securing Gurleyen’s services, hoping they can turn him into a well-known and reliable Championship defender.