SUNDERLAND will smash their transfer record to sign Senegal star Habib Diarra as Jobe Bellingham’s replacement.
The Black Cats have agreed a deal with French side Strasbourg worth an initial £27million up front with a further £3.5m in add-ons for the 21-year-old midfielder.
A medical has been scheduled next week and personal terms are expected to be finalised without any expected hitches.
Diarra showed his capabilities this month on the international stage when scoring for Senegal in their historic 3-1 victory over England at the City Ground.
The 11-capped ace caught the eye under Liam Rosenior in Ligue 1 last term and helped them finish seventh.
A host of Premier League clubs have been monitoring Diarra.
The player’s representatives have also held talks with fellow Prem new boys Leeds United while Everton and Brighton are also keen.
Though Sunderland are confident they have won the race to sign him in a move that beats the previous £20m record fee they paid Roma for Enzo Le Fee last month.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are also closing in on a deal for Polish international goalkeeper Marcin Bulka.
The Nice shot stopper has his heart set on a move to England and negotiations between the two clubs are at an advanced stage.
Bulka spent three years in Chelsea’s youth academy between 2016 and 2019.
He failed to make a professional appearance before making a switch to Paris Saint-Germain.
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