Man United identify cheap alternative to Carlos Baleba, but could face Chelsea competition
This top Premier League talent could be about to earn himself a big move...
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs interested in a potential transfer deal for Sunderland’s exciting young midfielder Noah Sadiki.
The 20-year-old has been a revelation since moving to the Stadium of Light this summer, instantly becoming an important part of this Black Cats side that continues to punch above its weight with some strong Premier League performances and results.
Sadiki now looks to have worked his way onto the radars of bigger clubs, according to Sky journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
He claims Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Sadiki as they continue to monitor the best young talents in the game, while Man Utd look like another name to watch.
Noah Sadiki transfer looks like one to watch for United
Tavolieri also claims that the Red Devils had some contacts with Sadiki’s representatives before, so it could be that they’ve already established a decent relationship there.
Still, it’s unclear if the DR Congo international would be seen as United’s priority target, as Tavolieri suggests they would more likely turn to him as an alternative if someone like Brighton’s Carlos Baleba proves to be too expensive.
Our information remains that Baleba is a top MUFC target, along with Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson, and that Bruno Fernandes could even be sold to help fund these ambitious deals.
However, if someone like Sadiki were to also come onto the market for a decent price, perhaps that would negate the need to listen to big offers for a key figure like Fernandes.
Noah Sadiki - solid, but unspectacular
Sadiki does his job in front of the defence well, but it’s fair to say he’s perhaps a little one-dimensional in that respect.
The youngster still has zero goals or assists for Sunderland, and it’s unclear if that playing style would fit as well for teams like United and Chelsea, who would expect to dominate possession more.
For now, these clubs would probably be better off going after more proven players who are also better all-rounders, though Sadiki will surely continue to be one to watch for the future after such an impressive start to life in the Premier League.