Guendouzi transfer twist as £21m Cats bid revealed with rivals keen

Matteo Guendouzi's position on a January move has been revealed in Italy, with the Lazio midfielder said to prefer a return to the Premier League but not to Sunderland, despite reports of a substantial bid from the Black Cats.

- by James Copley

Both Sunderland and Newcastle United have been linked with the 26-year-old in recent months, with Corriere dello Sport reporting that the rival clubs were monitoring Guendouzi as Lazio look to raise funds.

The Serie A side were placed under a transfer registration ban last summer and are expected to sanction sales in January to stabilise finances, placing high-value assets such as Guendouzi at the centre of speculation.

And now, further reports have clarified the Frenchman's personal stance. Journalist Giulio Cardone, speaking to RadioSei and relayed via Lazialità, claims Sunderland have submitted an offer worth €25million (around £21.5million) - but Guendouzi would hold out for a club already competing in Europe.