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As the chase continues for Inter Milan midfielder Alfred Duncan continues, the player himself has weighed in on a potential move to Sunderland by admitting he is flattered at Sunderland's reported interest.
Duncan is currently with the Ghanaian Under-20 side in Turkey preparing for the Under-20 World Cup, but took time out for the local reporters whom he told;
I am flattered by the interest of Sunderland.
I know the scout of Sunderland has been watching me. To be honest though, nothing has been done and Inter will have a big say if I leave or not.
Which is a good indication should we ever get a bid accepted. That however seems to be a big stumbling block with Inter unwilling to part with the highly-rated midfielder.
Reports earlier in the week indicated that a bid in region of 8m EUR from us have been rejected with the Nerazzuri holding out for more. Ghanasoccernet reported today that Sunderland were preparing a new bid closer to the asking price for Duncan, although news of that, if it is happening, has yet to be seen. The latest rumours suggest Inter were more keen on creating a co-ownership deal with newly promoted Sassulo.
Duncan also paid tribute to Michael Essien, saying that the Chelsea midfielder is his idol and someone he models his game upon. Something which might be worth taking into account for any Sunderland fans who aren't au fait with his brief appearances for Inter, or his loan last season at Livorno.
Fans compare me with Michael Essien and if I can have half of his career I will be very happy.
He is the best midfielder ever in Ghana. He played box-to-box, could break play up and could dictate play at the same time.
He is certainly a powerful midfielder, although comparisons to Essien may be a little off. Call me cynical, but I can't help but see this as a little bit of lip-service towards Essien, who is reportedly mulling over a return to the Ghanaian national side, ending a self-imposed exile.
So there's a little bit of encouragement on Duncan. Certainly there's something there if we finally do get a bid accepted. When that comes will be anyone's guess though.