Sunderland have reportedly been snubbed by Championship winger Hakeeb Adelakun, who went on to join Rotherham instead according to the Shields Gazette.
The Black Cats are eagerly trying to bolster their attacking options in order to launch a play-off assault in the second half of the season, but the Bristol City midfielder is allegedly snubbed them in favour of a loan spell with Paul Warne’s side.
It’s claimed that both Sunderland and Burton Albion were in the race for the former Scunthorpe man, but his previous experience of manager Warne led to his decision.
“The gaffer just told me his ideas really,” he explained, speaking to the club’s official website.
“Obviously I’ve played against his teams a few times and he’s seen me, so he just told me that he’d provide me with a platform to play and work with him to help the team push on.”
The 23-year-old served both Crystal Palace and West Ham in his youth, but rose to prominence with Scunthorpe as they challenged for a place in the Championship. After their dismal season last time out, he secured a move to Bristol but has struggled to assert himself on their first team.
It’s believed that Sunderland still want to raid Ashton Gate though; they’re keen on Antoine Semenyo, who is yet to decide on his future amid interest from League One and League Two.
Our View
Players turn clubs down, that happens at this stage of the season. It’s a blow though, for sure. Adelakun would have slotted in nicely to the Black Cats formation and is experienced at this level.
He’s as ‘proven’ as you’ll get in a January window and that means Phil Parkinson’s loss is Rotherham’s gain. Adelakun could well be the catalyst that sees the Millers push on to yet another division change.
Meanwhile, Sunderland’s hunt for a formula that works goes on….
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