Sunderland in talks to sign Reinildo on a free transfer

Sunderland are actively pursuing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo Mandava on a free transfer, according to the Guardian.

The deal would fill a key need for experienced defensive cover, an area where Sunderland have identified gaps following their promotion.

Sunderland are working to sign the 31-year-old as they strive to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Reinildo will join the free agent market when his current contract expires on June 30. Since joining Atletico in 2022, he has made over 100 appearances for the club.

Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are interested in signing the Mozambique international, while clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia are also keen on a deal.

However, Sunderland are the front-runners, with talks progressing between the parties over a two-year deal and weekly pay of £65,000.

A move to Wearside would make Reinildo the first player from Mozambique to play in the Premier League.

His arrival would be a shrewd move, especially given that he is available on a free transfer, allowing Sunderland to allocate resources elsewhere.

They are set to break their transfer record, having agreed an initial £31.25m deal to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg.

The Black Cats have contemplated bringing back Jordan Henderson for a second spell at the Stadium of Light.

They are admirers of Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, although he could be heading to the Middle East.