Sunderland to launch shock bid for Real Madrid misfit
Already adding to a list of possible suitors that includes Arsenal and Liverpool, Sunderland are reportedly joining the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder, Esteban Granero.
The Spaniard has fallen out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu, making only seven appearances this season across all competitions, five of which were from the bench.
Despite the interest from some of the Premier League’s ‘bigger clubs’, Martin O’Neill is aiming high in his transfer targets as he hopes to continue what has already been an impressive beginning to his career at the helm of the Black Cats.
The Northern Irishman ha also been looking at more proven players with experience to their name but it’s debatable that amongst the dizzying talent of the Real Madrid squad, even the most skilful of stars would find it hard to break into a starting berth.
As a result, Granero’s lack of first XI action doesn’t equal to a bad player and with a relatively low asking price of £6.5m, could be a valuable signing to the club.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho stated in December that he was hoping for none of his players to head for the Bernabeu exit in January, but should Granero’s asking price be met, he would surely be tempted by a sale.
The 24 year-old is a former Spanish Under-21 international and when handed a starting spot during his time at Getafe, showed his potential for great creative play.
Real Madrid exercised their right to a buyback option in 2009, bring the playmaker back to the club where he began his professional career but a January transfer is looking more and more possible amidst mounting interest around his signature.
