Sunderland are thought to be monitoring Celtic’s impressive midfielder Nir Bitton, according to the Evening Times.
The 6′ 5″ Israeli has been scouted several times over recent weeks by many Premier League clubs in both SPL games and the Champions League, with the Black Cats thought to be on that list.
The Black Cats, currently second from bottom in the Premier League, know that they have to spend big in January to have any hope of fighting off relegation for the fourth season in a row – more crucial now than ever due to the huge increase in TV money that will arrive next season. Manager Sam Allardyce wants four quality signings bringing in.
Despite being able to offer a vastly improved pay packet, it won’t be easy for the Black Cats to prise Bitton away from the Scottish Champions.
Bitton signed a five-year contract extension with Celtic earlier this season and has made it clear that success is what he craves, not money.
“Sometimes players choose to go after money. But the money is not the most important thing in life.
“To win trophies with Celtic and play in the Champions League with Celtic as a club, for me, right now, is the most important thing.”
