:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36768200/452988730.0.jpg)
Sunderland originally bid for Will Buckley, and current Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt, back in January but saw that bid rejected. Although the club eventually did sign Bridcutt during the last transfer window, it appears as if our interest in Buckley is not yet over with multiple reports suggesting we have bid £2.5m for the Brighton winger.
It's believed Brighton are willing to sell Buckley but the South Coast club are looking for £3m for the 24-year-old who has fallen out of favour with new Brighton manager Sami Hyypia.
West Brom also interested in the player and Brighton will be hoping that will spark a bidding war, something Sunderland are unlikely to get involved in after only bidding just over £1m for Buckley in January.
Meanwhile, we may finally able to cross Marcos Alonso off the wanted list. Gus Poyet did say recently that he would still be interested in Alonso if he became available on loan for free, but the arrival of Patrick van Aanholt meant the Spaniard was no longer a priority, with the club seemingly targeting another right back instead, thought to be Sam Byram of Leeds.
Alonso, speaking after Fiorentina's 2-0 friendly win over Malaga, distanced himself from a possible move by saying he is happy at the Italian club;
My future? I'm happy at Fiorentina, I just have to train to play every Sunday.
Although a return to the Stadium of Light looks unlikely at the moment, expect Sunderland to retain an interest right until the final moments of the transfer window, just in case they can persuade the Serie A club to part with Alonso.
Stay tuned to Roker Report throughout the summer as we keep you up to date with all the transfer news and rumours. Also, feel free to keep in touch with our dedicated Transfer Centre, which you can do by CLICKING HERE.
