TRANSFER LATEST: Sunderland accept bid from Torino for record signing Didier Ndong

Roker Report have learned this morning that Sunderland AFC have accepted a bid for Didier Ndong from Serie A side Torino, who have shown a firm interest in the player throughout the entirety of the last two weeks.

The 23-year old midfielder, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Premier League side Watford, has now been given the go-ahead by the club to discuss personal terms with the Turin side and, barring no issues, is expected to join up with them ahead of pre-season.

Ndong was cited as Sunderland’s record purchase when he was acquired from Ligue 1 side Lorient in the summer of 2016, signed for a fee believed to be around £13.6m, but in truth he struggled to really live up to his price tag on Wearside and in the eyes of many supporters was seen as a downgrade on the man he replaced, former France international Yann M’Vila.

The Gabon international failed to register a single appearance whilst out on loan with the Hornets but did play on eighteen occasions in the Championship for us last season.

New Sunderland owners Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven have stood firm on valuations of outgoing players, and have cited that they won’t let anyone leave unless we receive bids that match their expectations - which is understood to have taken back agents and clubs who, in the past, had previously been used to taking advantage of the approach used by the previous regime.