Transfer seen as inevitable as Tottenham and Sunderland move to hijack rejected Newcastle bid
Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and Newcastle United are all in the mix for a talented Brazilian defender who is seen as certain to leave South America this summer.
Spurs have been one of the quickest Premier League sides off the mark in the summer transfer window, securing free agent deals for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
The Lilywhites have also tied experienced defender Ben Davies down to a new deal, with the Wales captain extending his stay in North London to a 13th season.
Newcastle haven’t wasted any time either, already securing their first signing of the summer in the shape of young goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.
“I’m really excited to become a Newcastle United player,” the France U21 international said this week after making 34 Ligue 2 appearances last season for Reims, with the Magpies also closing in on a deal for Spanish forward Victor Munoz.
Sunderland meanwhile are surprisingly the only one of the three preparing for a season in European football, with Regis Le Bris expected to receive significant backing this summer.
£87m spent on new 4 signings: The dream XI Sunderland could build
A look at the dream starting line-up that Sunderland could build in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Black Cats have joined the race for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, who is expected to cost in the region of £25m this summer amid interest from a whole host of top flight sides.
Tottenham, Sunderland and Newcastle race for Viery
According to reports in Brazil, via Sport Witnessall three Premier League sides are part of a huge race for Gremio centre-back Viery.
Newcastle have already seen a bid turned down for the 21 year-old, which was thought to be in the region of €12m (£10m).
Now, Tottenham and Sunderland have joined the race and could hijack the Magpies’ interest, while there is also interest from Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Roma, Juventus and Fiorentina.
“His profile is particularly attractive to European clubs. Viery is left-footed, mobile, aggressive defensively and comfortable in possession – attributes increasingly difficult to find together in young centre-backs.”
Gremio believe they can hold on for €20m (£17m) this summer, and the interest is so widely spread the report claims focus has already turned away from if the defender leaves and instead towards how much.
Viery, who can also play left-back, has a contract until 2029 with the Brazilian top flight side but is open to a move away this summer.
He played 27 times for the South American outfit this season, scoring twice and providing one assist.
You scored
out of 20
TNG – Latest News & Reviews
