Sunderland have learned the price tag of one of their summer transfer targets.
New Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will have the difficult task of turning around the mood at the Stadium of Light, of which was hostile following an unsatisfactory 2023/24 campaign that saw the Black Cats finish in a lowly 16th place.
Michael Beale’s tenure followed by Mike Dodds temporarily taking over saw Sunderland’s inexperienced squad lack any form of character and underperform as a result.
However, that is set to be fixed with former youth coach Le Bris undoubtedly having the qualities to get the best out of a young squad.
It’s crucial that Sunderland look towards experienced attackers in their bid to climb up the table and be within a shout of promotion during the 2024/25 campaign.
They have targeted a man with an exciting EFL record, but he won’t be lured to the Stadium of Light cheaply.
Sunderland target Liam Millar given £2.1million valuation
Sunderland have previously been linked with Canadian international Liam Millar, who had reportedly agreed a deal with Sheffield United previously.
Leeds United have now emerged as potential suitors for the former Preston North End loanee alongside Sheffield United and Sunderland.
The winger, who scored five goals whilst on loan at Preston North End in the 2023/24 Championship season, has been given a £2.1million price tag by parent club FC Basel, per Nau Sport.
The valuation is said to be ‘well above the market value’ for Millar, who is expected to leave the Swiss outfit this summer.
Should Sunderland go all out for Liam Millar this summer
Attacking options at this moment in time are far and few for Le Bris’ side, especially with the uncertainty over Jack Clarke’s future at the Stadium of Light.
Millar could be the perfect replacement for the former Tottenham winger, and relatively cheap in comparison to the fee that Sunderland could demand for Clarke.
Millar, who has 28 international caps to his name, is made from a similar cloth to Clarke as a left winger with a willingness to test the goalkeeper from distance after cutting on his favoured right foot.
Not many players at this level can truly compete with the pace of Clarke, but Millar isn’t far off.
It will be difficult for Sunderland to seal the signature of the former Liverpool youngster against the likes of Sheffield United and Leeds United, however the sizable fee should be paid if the future of Clarke becomes clearer.
His 10 goal contributions at this level last year show that he would be quite a coup and a statement signing for Le Bris.
