Reports: Sunderland Make €7m Bid For Roma Star

With the end of the transfer window coming ever closer, the search for a central midfielder who can add a bit of creativity seems to be stepping up a gear.

With Swansea's Ki Sung-Yueng heavily linked with a loan move to the Stadium of Light in this week, it appears as if he's not the club's only midfield target, as reports coming out of Italy suggest Sunderland have made a move for Roma's Michael Bradley.

According to Corriere Dello Sport, Sunderland have made an offer of around €6-7m for the United States international but Roma want at least €10m for a player who they signed a year ago for €3.75m.

The player is highly rated at the Stadio Olimpico, with newly installed Roma manager Rudi Garcia recently taking time out to praise him;

Michael is not only a great player, he is a great man.

On the pitch he is someone who is working hard for the others. For a coach, he is a fantastic player. I think that now when he plays with Kevin [Strootman], Miralem [Pjanic] or Daniele [De Rossi], Michael is doing better from the technical point of view.

I am very happy with Michael.

Bradley distanced himself from transfer rumours earlier this month, when he said;

We all know how the media works and what this time of year is like.

For me, I love Roma and I love playing here. I'm not thinking about anything else than starting the season here and really giving everything for the Roma shirt.

However, with the recent arrival at Roma of Kevin Strootman, adding to the established pair of Pjanic and De Rossi, Bradley is likely to find himself down the pecking order this season and with the 2014 World Cup looming, the US international could well be tempted by an offer of first team football.

Whether that offer comes from Sunderland remains to be seen but the 26-year-old does fit the bill in terms of playing style, offering a physical presence in midfield as well as an eye for a pass. Interestingly, during the recent international against Bosnia, Bradley shown an understanding with Jozy Altidore, as Bradley ran midfield, chipped in with two assists and Altidore ran riot with a hat-trick.

Due to that understanding with Altidore, the American link with Ellis Short and fitting Paolo Di Canio's midfield requirements, Bradley certainly ticks a lot of boxes. The price tag may prove a sticking point but definitely one to keep a close eye on.