Sunderland step up talks for Forest & Villa target Bilal El Khannouss | OneFootball

Sunderland are stepping up efforts to sign Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, according to L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi.

The Black Cats have been locked in talks with Leicester, who are looking to keep their key players ahead of their push for a quick return to the Premier League.

El Khannouss has three years left on his contract, so Leicester are in no rush to sell. Their dire financial situation could force their hand, but they’re standing their ground.

The 21-year-old midfielder has a €26 million (£22.5m) release clause in his contract. Leicester want to ensure they recoup every penny, as well as a sell-on fee on any future resale.

However, Sunderland are hoping to negotiate a fee below the player’s clause.

The newly promoted club are looking to leverage Leicester’s financial situation, but they’re struggling to get them to shift their stance.

Finalising a deal could become complicated for Sunderland if they allow negotiations to linger for too long.

Leicester are aware that El Khannouss is highly sought after by Premier League clubs and are ready to play the waiting game to see if other interested parties will submit a bid.

Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are in the race, while Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco are also keeping a close eye on the situation.

They want to act on their interest, but need to sell before they can make their move.

Sunderland have been one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League. They are backing Regis Le Bris with a war chest as they look to avoid a swift return to the Championship.

The Black Cats have spent around £85m to sign Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra.

Sunderland want to make El Khannouss their seventh summer addition but may need to meet Leicester’s demands to get their man.