Sunderland among Premier League clubs interested in Neil El Aynaoui | OneFootball

Interest is growing in RC Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui (24), with Fabrizio Romano writing that AS Roma have made the first move in what could turn into a multi-club race.

The Italian side have reportedly sent an opening offer to Lens valued at around €20m. It would be a healthy profit for Lens on the €600k they spent in 2023 to secure him from AS Nancy Lorraine. However, it is thought to be an offer that falls below their asking price.

Foot Mercato writes that Roma are far from the only club looking at the midfielder, and they face competition from the Premier League with Sunderland AFC, Leeds United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while AC Milan and Juventus are also thought to be interested. While Mohammed Toubache-Ter previously wrote that Aston Villa have inquired into the 24-year-old.

The French outlet explains that Lens are still hopeful that they can keep hold of El Aynaoui for one more season. Especially considering that the club are already attempting to fill the gaps left by the departures of several key players over the past 12 months.

GFFN | Nick Hartland