Sunderland are set to miss out on the signing of Valencia winger Declan Frith after lodging a bid earlier this week, according to Marca.
The 22-year-old only made the move to Spain last summer from Premier League outfit Aston Villa. He has been playing in Valencia’s B team – known as Valencia Mestalla – where he made 14 appearances last season.
He has caught the eye of a number of Championship clubs who are looking to bolster their attacking options this summer, including Queens Park Rangers and Watford. It is claimed that the Black Cats have lodged a bit for the Englishman, alongside Marti Cifuentes’ side. However, La Liga outfit Getafe have now joined the race.
According to the report, Frith is keen to remain in Spain, whilst Getafe are confident that they can get a deal over the line. Valencia are open to the sale, although will demand a percentage of any future fee.
The outcome of Sunderland and QPR’s bids are unknown, whereas Watford are said to have ‘sounded out the player’.
The youngster is a target of the United States national team, who he is eligible to represent through his grandmother. It emerged last year that he is applying for an American passport in the hopes of switching international allegiances from England.
New manager Regis Le Bris faces a big summer at the Stadium of Light. Having formally taken on the role at the beginning of the month, the former Lorient boss is keen to bring new faces to the club as he looks to improve on a dismal 16th-placed finish last season.
Speaking upon his arrival, the 48-year-old revealed his plans for the coming months:
“I’m comfortable with the process right now. I don’t know the result because it is very complex. I’m comfortable with the process.
“The team is young but the two previous seasons they gained some experience so I think it’s useful for the next events. We are looking at one or two more experienced players for the Championship. These kind of players could be young, could be older.”
Writer’s View
Key man Jack Clarke is heavily rumoured to be leaving the club, meaning a replacement will be high on the agenda. Frith is a player that can operate in the same position, but it does appear as if other options will have to be drawn up.
Le Bris claimed that he was looking for players that were experienced operators in the Championship, so this is a signing which doesn’t make a great deal of sense. That said, if he can be landed at a bargain fee, it could be one that benefits them in future years. It appears unlikely though. Frith took a punt on Spain and it looks as if he is not ready to give up on that dream just yet.
Head of Writing
