Sunderland must contemplate whether to persist in their pursuit of Ghanaian prodigy Alfred Duncan after reportedly failing to strike a deal for the Inter Milan midfielder.
Duncan is one of three youngsters being linked with the Black Cats, along with defender Ibrahima Mbaye and attacking midfielder Daniel Bessa.
Ghana international Duncan has been one of Sunderland’s prime targets this summer, but Inter are holding out for an offer around the £7m mark for the 20-year-old.
Sunderland director of football Roberto De Fanti held talks with Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio on Friday over Duncan, and the Wearsiders are mooted to have seen an improved bid rejected.
But despite reports yesterday, that is unlikely to signal the end of Sunderland’s interest in Duncan.
De Fanti has earmarked Duncan as an ideal component for the brand of football Paolo Di Canio is hoping to build at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland also holding discussions over Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone – as revealed by the Gazette last week.
Inter have reportedly also rejected Sunderland’s approach for Mbaye, although they are willing to let Bessa leave on a season-long loan.
However, that deal is far from being concluded.